REPORT OF THE 0 ml IFOE, THE ■STE-A.E, 1884. BEING A REPORT OF THE WORKINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE » 27tli Annual Meeting held at St. Joseph, Dec 9, 10, i1, 1884, ALSO, A REPORT OF THE Seml-Annnal Meeting held at Springfield, June 10 and 11, 1884; COiJTAINING ALSO, A CONSTITUTION FOR THE WORKING OF LOCAL OR COUNTY HOR- TICULTURAL SOCIETIES, AND L, A. &00DM1N, Secretary, Westport, Mo. JEFFERSON CITY: TRIBUNE CO., STATE PRINTERS, 1885. /US' Eiei^^^TJL., The following glaring blunders of the printer cannot be passed over without correction: On page 232, under head "Mission of Flowers," the author's name, Mrs. F. Holsinger, has been omitted. On page 275, under head "Secretary's Budget," the headings should have been printed in numerical order. The essay "What Women Have Done and What They Can Do," on pages 325-9, by Miss Sackett, of Ohio, (whose name is also omitted), and also the paper "Education on the Farm," on page 329, should have appeared under heading "Entertaining and Instructive," on page 316, rather than under "Vegetables," as they now appear. On page 339, under heading "Grapes," the name of the au- thor of essay "Grape Notes From Texas," Mr. T. V. Munson, has been omitted. V REPORT OF THE III II uUic iioriKji II IFOR. THE ■^"E-Aul?, 1SS4- r T3:?ARY Yor^K BOFANJCAL GARDEN BEINfi A RKPORT OF THE WORKINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE 27th Annual Meeting held at St. Joseph, Dec 9, 10, 11, 1884, ALSO, A RErORr l)F TBE Semi-Annual Meeting held at Springfield, June 10 and 11, 1884; CONTAININfi ALSO, A CONSTITLTIOX FOR THE WORKING OF LOCAL OR COL'XTY HOR- TICULTURAL SOCIETIES, AND L, A.GOODMAN, Secretary, Westport,] Mo, JEFFERSON CITY: TRIBUNE CO., STATE PRINTERS, 1884. Officers for the Year 1884. President, Prof. S. M. TRACY, Columbia. Vice-President, A. W. St. JOHN, Carthage. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Westport. Treas^irer, J. C. EVANS, Harlem. Officers Elected for the Year 1885. President, J. C. EVANS, Harlem. Vice-President, E. P. HENRY, Butler. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Westport. Treasurer, Z. S. RAGAN, Independence. Missouri State Horticultural Society. To His Excellency, John S. Marmaduhe, Governor of the State of Missouri : Believing that our report should be under the control of the state and that we should report to our Governor, as do our other state officers, I take the liberty to address this report to you. L. A. GOODMAX, Secretarv. LIBRARY List of Members. BOTAmcAL GARDEN Prof. S. M. Tracy Columbia. Prof. J. W. Sanborn Columbia. J. C. Evans Harlem. E, P. Henry Butler. Henry Speers Butler. L. A. Goodman Westport. Z. S. Rigan Independence. Jacob Faith Montevallo. F. H. King Montevallo. C. Thorp Weston. J. P. Richard Weston. E. Listen Virgil City. N. F. Murry Ehu Grove. C. H. Fink"! Lamar. W. H. Thomas LaGrauge. F. F. Fine Sprhigfield. D. S. tiolmau Springfield. J. W. Fleeman St. Joseph. Hans. Nielson " L. Zaigler " W. Haferlie •' G. Segessemann Amazonia. J. Zimmerman J. N. Menifee Oregon. T. W. Gaum Mary ville. L. M. Sea Independence. L. L. Seller H. M. Hoffman Leavenworth. Kas. Dan. Carpenter Barry. G. W. Hopkins Kansas City. E. Taylor Edwardsville. Kas. N, P. Sommer St. Joseph. S. K. FaulkDpr Whiteville. Chris. Schroeder Barry. J. A. Durkes Weston. Chas. Patterson Kirksville. W, O. Patterson W, O. Munger St. Joseph. J. L. McAleer " Hon. Jos. Grubb •• Chris. Diegel " Dr. A. Goslin / Oregon. W. G. Gano Parkville. Gus. Meissner Bush burg. Isidor Bush St. Louis. Wm. Ent Savannah. J. B. Wild i Sarcoxie. H. W. Wild H. B. Francis Mulberry. P. Jackson Carthage. J. C. Bender St. Joseph. 6 Missouri State Horticultural Society. W. Wiedman St. Joseph. Jacob Madinger " " H. Keene " John Hall, Box 301 " H. T. Kelsey " " Karl Wiedman " S. N. Cox " J. Kirschner " Gilbert Blake " S. H. Graden Parkville. McKinley Connor's Sta. , Kas. W. S. King Amazonia. H. C. Kirshbaum Tolona. F. Lionberger New Florence. A. D. Barnes • Barry. J. A. Bayles Lee's Summit. J. Kirchgraber Springfield. E. T. Hynes West Plains. John Bebee Springfield. J. C. Gardner D. T. Bronaugh Barry. C. E. Kern Westport. James Gamble Brookfield. E. B. Cooper Trenton. F. Fleischer Gasconade City. Geo. S. Allison Johnson City. W. C. Freeman Brookline. Job Newton Springfield. J. W. Roundtree H. Scholton J. B. Lawson " W. M. Poge Lexington. A. A. Button Springfield. R. F. Kingsbury Estill. Thomas Fargher La Porte, Ind. E. C. Robinson Portland, Maine. G. S. Downend Sibley. Iowa. F. Schwettman Lincoln. C. Teubner Columbia. Judge S. Miller Bluffton. C. Gerber Wheatland. E. Burrows Canton. Geo. H. Gill Kirkwood. Stone Hill Wine Company Hermann. E. T. Hollister St. Louis. P. M. Kiley " J. H. Lewis Blue Springs. P. B. Dobozy West Plains. J. D. Hawkins Paris. John Laney Green Ridge. Jesse Hiatt Lockwood. Alfred Johnson Pierce City. A. W. McPherson Springfield. Rommel & Sobb Morrison. D. M. Dunl.ap Fulton. R. E. Bailey M. I. Parker Carthage. J. P. Durand Prairie City. E. F. Stephens Crete, Nebraska, A. W. St. John Carthage. G. F. Espenlaub Rosedale, Kas, Frank Holsinger ' • " List of Members. J. C. Blair Kansas City. Wm. Kaufman W. M. Hopkins C. B. Warren J. C. Dickinson S. W. Salisbury S. C. Palmer H. T. Hovelman D. F. Emry Carthage. E. R. Morerord Schell City. F. Wellhouse Fairmount, Kas. E. J. Holman Leavenworth, Kas. P. Underwood Lawrence, Kas. C. M. Stark Louisiana. J. B. Schlichter Sterling, Kas. J. W. Mclntyre Fulton. J. H. Monsese Beaman. H. Bruihl Appleton City. Green Bros Macon City. Hon. John J. Cockrell Warrensburg. Phil. Pfeiffer Sedalia. C. G. Comstock .^ Albany. J. M. Pretzinger Clinton. J. K. (jlassf ord Carthage. Jas. Hanley Shelbina. A. H. Gilkerson Warrensburg. A. Ingraham Nevada. H. W. Maxwell Carthage. H. Shepley Nevada. Walter Scott Montevallo. A. Ambrose Nevada. F. Griffith Carthage. L. C. Amsden Carthage. C. A. Emry D. L. Emry Z. T. Russell J. W. Baird Hon. Ira S. Haseltine Dorchester. S. I. Haseltine W. J. Sieber Carthage. P. Finn J. Ames Carthage. J. B. Wild Sarcoxie. H. W. Wild Bennett Hall Carthage. W. C. Downs Nicholas Sibert "' Z. Freeman Joplin. Kos Elliott Oronogo. Sinnonk & Co Edina . J. T. Stewart . • Blackburn. F. A. Hazen Dudenville. James W. Turner Brookfield. J. K. Cravens Kansas City. R. J. Lewis Princeton. LADY MEMBERS. Mrs. Dr. Galbraith Carthage. Mrs. Geo. Allison Johnson Citj*. Mrs. Lou Marker Carthage. Mrs. L. A. Goodman Westport. Mrs. W. G. Gano Parkville. 8 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Mrs. Frank Holsinger Rosedale, Kas. Mrs. G. F. Espenlaub Mrs. C. A. Emry Carthage. Mrs. J. K. Cravens Kansas City. Mrs. E. J. Lewis Westport. Miss Mary Murtfeldt Kirkwood. Miss Mary Evans Harlem. Mrs. Wade Burden Springiield. Mrs. Mary Thornhill New Florence. Mrs. S. J. Fargher LaPorte, Ind. Mrs. D. S. Holman Springfield. Mrs. C. H. Goff Miss Rosa Holman " Miss Lilly Holman Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin Oregon. Mrs. N. F. Murry Elm Grove. Mrs. J. N. Menifee Oregon. Mrs. Z. S. Ragan Independence. Mrs H. B. Francis Mulberry. Mrs. C. E. Kern Westport. Mrs. J. W. Roundtree Springfield. Mrs. E. P. Henry Butler. Mrs. J. P. Durand Prairie City. LIST OF HONORARY MEMBERS. Geo. Hussman Napa, Cal. Marshall P. Wilder Boston. Mass. Charles Downing Newburgh, N. Y. T. T. Lvon Grand Haven, Mich. C. W. Murtfeldt Kirkwood, Mo. LIST OF LIFE MEMBERS. [A number of persons are life members of our Society, but their names are not to be found in any of the old volumes ; and, in order to get a com- plete list of such I would be glad if any one who is, or knows of one who is. a life member, to send me their names.] • L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. STANDING COMMITTEES. Orchards, W. G. GANG, Parkville; CHAS. PATTEESON, Kirks- viLLE ; D. S. HOLMAN, Springfield. Vineyards, GEO. MEISSNEE, Bushburg ; JACOB EOMMEL, Morrison, C. TEUBNEE, Columbia. Small Fruits, S. MILLEE, Bluffton ; WM. HOPKINS, Kansas City ; JACOB FAITH, Montevallo. Stone Fruits, D. F. EMEY, Carthage; E. F. HYNES, AVest Plains, JACOB MADINGEE, St. Joseph. Vegetables, J. W. SANBOEN, Columbia ; F. H. KING, Montevallo ; J. N. MENIFEE, Forest City. Flxnvers, EOBT. S. BEOWN, Kansas City : H. MICHEL, St. Louis, MES. WADE BUEDEN, Springfield. Ornamentals, Z. S. EAGAN, Independence ; C. W. MUETFELDT, Kirk- wood ; E. E. BAILEY, Fulton. Entomology, DE. A. GOSLIN, Oregon ; H. SHEPLEY, Nevada ; MISS M. MUETFELDT, Kirkwood. Botany, PEOF. S. M. TEACY, Columbia ; G. C. BEOADHEAD, Pleas- ant Hill ; DAN CAEPENTEE, Barry. Nomenclature, T. W. GAUNT, Maryville ; J. B. WILD, Sarcoxie ; F. F. FINE, Springfield. New Fruits, J. C. BLAIE, Kansas City ; A. H. GILKEESON, Warrens- burg ; H. T. KELSEY, St. Joseph. Ornithology. CLAEK lEWIN, Oregon ; A. W. St. JOHN, Carthage ; W. H. THOMAS, LaGrange. CONSTITUTION OF THE Missouri State Horticultural Society. Aeticle I. This association shall be known as the Missouri State Horticultural Society. Its object shall be the promotion of horticulture in all its branches. Akt. II. Any person may become a member of this society upon the payment of one dollar, and membership shall continue on the payment of one dollar annually. The payment of ten dollars at one time shall constitute a person a life member, and honorary members may be elected at any regular meeting of the society. And any lady may become ta member by giving her name to the Secretary. Aet. III. The officers of this society shall consist of a Pres^i- dent, Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by ballot at each regular meeting, and whose terms of office shall begin on the first day of March following their election. Aet. IV. The elective officers of the society shall constitute an Executive Committee, at any meeting of which a majority of the members shall have power to transact business. The other duties of the officers shall be such as usually pertain to the same officers in similar organizations. Aet. V. The regular meetings of this society, shall be held annually on the third Tuesday of January, except when otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the society may be called by the Executive Committee, and meetings of the committee, by the President and Secretary. Aet. VI. As soon after each regular annual meeting as possi- ble, the President shall appoint the following Standing Committees ; and they shall be required to give a report in writing, under thei early in 1883 a jire- liminary report on the forestry of the Mississippi Valley and tree planting on the plains, and subsequently a supplementary report covering more particularly the forest resources of the Southern states. In the preparation of these reports the information received in response to thousands of circulars was utilized ; the instructions of the department being explicit as to the accumula- tion of facts rather than of theories. It may be said that official reports made to any department of the government are slow in reaching the public, appearing annu- 120 Missouri State Horticultural Society. ally in cumbrous and uninteresting looking volumes ; but the reports herein mentioned have been more fortunate. Their brevity has made it possible to publish them in pamj^hlet form, and they have reached the public within a few weeks of their reception by the department. The reports thus scattered broadcast by the government have been copied by the newspapers of the country, two or three of them, to my knowledge, having appeared in full in over four hun- dred newspapers, and extracts from them in thousands more. The National Forestry Congress is now publishing weekly bulletins, or ''leaflets," in which the points made in the reports of the govern- ment agents are given, with other matter relative to the cultivation and care of forests. We may briefly sum up the present attitude of the government in regard to forestry, as follows : The Government, by the passage of the timber culture act, committed itself to the encouragement of tree culture, and even though the act should be repealed, its principle will be preserved in some other enactment. The importance of forestry has been recognized by the erection of a Forestry Division in the Department of Agriculture, the present Chief of the Division being Mr. N. H. Eggleston. Special agents have been appointed, to whom has been assigned the duty of investigating the needs of difterent portions of the country in the matter of the protection and culture of forests. A regular system of disseminating information has been adopted by the government. As a result of all this the government may be said to have in- formed itself of the extent and condition of its own forest domain, and something has been done, though manifestly not enough, toward protecting government timber from spoliation and de- struction. Finally, every believer in trees may take courage from the present attitude of the government, and hope that in time, the wise example set by other governments, as for instance, France with her " Bureau of Woods and Waters," may be followed by our own. You have noticed, with the assurance of success, the rising interest in horticulture ; you have noticed that particularly, be- cause horticulture is your specialty. Let me tell you that there has been a corresjionding increase of faith and works in regard to forest trees. Amiual Meetmg at St. Joseph. 131 You can take into consideration the larger area of cultivated ground in Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, the larger agricultural pojiulation, and estimate for yourselves what has been done in these states. x\s an example of what has been done, I can cite the states of Kansas and Nebraska. I have been unable to procure statistics from the state of Missouri, although information may be imbedded in the official reports, which I have not had access to. In Nebraska it is estimated that there are growing 53,000,000 forest trees planted by the hand of man. I suppose it is safe to estimate the same number to the acre as is required under the timber culture act — that is 675. This would give a little over 78,000 acres in forest trees in that state. In Kansas the statistics given by the report of the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture shows 119,682 acres. If we make the same calculations in artificial forest trees as to the number planted to the acre as we have in Nebraska, it would show the number of trees in artificial forests in the state to be 70,486,350. It has generally been conceded that Nebraska was far ahead of Kansas in the number of forest trees planted ; but if I'm right in the above calculations, and I do not see but that I am, Kansas ex- ceeds Nebraska in the number of trees planted out by 17,486,350, and in acres, 41,682. It must be remembered that the above estimate does not in either state include the number of acres of trees of volunteer gi'owth. That this is very large every observer knows, and that it is equal to at least fifty per cent, of the number of artificial growth is quite evident. We have not an estimate of the number of fruit trees in Nebraska, but the authority I have given above states that of all the varieties of fruit trees in Kansas there are 20,851,276. Reducing this to acres, at 40 trees to the acre, which is believed to be a fair average, makes 52,128, or a total of acreage in forest and fruit trees, almost all set out during the past fifteen years, of 171,810. Besides this, there are 6,228 acres in small fruits, and 3,865 acres in vineyards. The constant discussion of the subject of forestry, the im- mense accumulation of experience, the demonstration of what man has done, gives hope of what man may do. The only thing to be done now is to get away from experiment and go into the business of forestry on what Americans call a big scale. We must accustom ourselves to speak of a hundred or a 12ti Missouri State Horticultural Society. thousand acres of trees just as we now do about so much corn. It takes but little more time to plant a mile of trees along the high- way than it does to set out a dozen trees in a dooryard. We were, we older men. born in an age when men ptit in a life time chopping down trees, and I have done my share of it in Andrew county in this state. We have fortunately lived to see the first development in this country of the new art of forestry, the art of making trees grow. Everything is in its favor. Let us do oitr part in the great work, resting assured that we shall be doing a good part for our- selves and the generations to follow us, Next was a paper on THE NEW IN HORTICULTUEE. BY J. N. MENIFEE, OKEGOX. This is a subject of vital importance to every horticulturist. Our daily mails come laden with circulars and catalogues, each describing neiv vegetables, fruits and flowers. Shall we turn away in disgust (as many do), saying the old is good enough, and refusing to listen to the claims of the new, simply because they have heard of somebody getting terribly swindled by uetv things ? This is an age of progress. And horticulture must, and will, keep pace with the forward march of the enterprising world around. The writer planted an orchard in Holt county. Mo., twenty years ago, containing twenty-two varieties of apples, all recom- mended by the best available authority as the l)est. Last spring a new orchard was to be planted on the same farm, and but four varieties of the old found a place in the new orchard. The new in every branch of horticulture is superseding the old, in spite of the prevailing prejudice against the new. We anticipate, in the near future, new apples that will equal the Ben Davis in all its good qualities, and 7nore, be fit to eat. The blackberry, raspberry and nearly all otlier berries of ten years ago are things of the past. And similar improvements have been made in the vegetable and flower garden. The old hollow Peach Blow, the knotty Neshannock, the watery Peerless and the exhausted Early Rose potatoes are thrown aside, except by a few old fogies, who never heard of the Almo, Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 123 Invincible, Stanton^s seedling and a number of others far better than the old kinds were in their best days. A new idea in horticulture is to drive strong stakes twenty feet apart in the raspberry row, fastening a smooth wire to them two feet above ground, to]5ping the new canes a little above the wire, which will send out laterals on either side the wire and save the destruction so common by high winds. Another is to set a strong post beside the trunk of the tree and from the top of the post suspend the loaded breaking branches with a smooth wire. Some new ini'plements in horticulture deserve special note. The potato digger, the tree digger, the wheel hoe, the fruit parers and evaporators are revolutionizing the horticultural world. I pared and cored on a new machine a few days ago one bushel, or two hundred and forty-two apples in twelve and one-half minutes, and comparing the evaporated fruit with that dried the old way is conclusive evidence that the neiv in horticulture is an important subject. Yet " all that glitters is not gold," neither are the glowing advertisements and over-drawn descriptions of the new to be relied upon. Eternal vigilance is the watchword of every intelligent horticulturalist. Be careful what, and where, you buy, and buy sparingly of the untried netu. But never condemn a thing until it is proven worthless ; not because it is new. In conclusion I name a few of the most valuable acquisitions that I have thoroughly tested. The Snyder and Taylor's Prolific blackberry, the Souhegan, Hopkins, G-regg, Cuthbert and Hansell raspberries, and the Bidwell strawberry. Discussion"; F. Holsinger — Would differ from the chair in saying that the curculio is the most destructive. The Gouger is a thousand times more destructive than the curculio. The Round Head Borer is also more destructive than the codling moth. Found the codling moth filled a sponge placed in tha forks of the tree. This matter will come up in the report* of the committe on entomology. Da7i. Carpenter moved that the chair appoint a committee to memorialize the state legislature to appoint a state entomologist ; carried unanimously. Adjourned until 9 o'clock. 124 Missouri State Horticultural Society. WEDNESDAY, 9.4. M. Session called by the president and prayer offered by Rev. Mr. Abbott,, pastor of Unity chapel. DlSCUSSIOX ON THE PAPERS OF TUESDAY AfTERXOON — Chairman Murtfeldt : — Thinks that if the mercury goes 12 to 15 degrees below zero it destroys the peach crop although the tree may bloom. JY. F. Murry : — Says that he has known a crop of peaches with twenty-one degrees below zero. Maj. Ragan : — Found ^liat if the cold comes on gradually the damage will be light, but a cold winter after a warm fall often kills them. After the cold of 1882 he, with J. K. Cravens, went south of the Ozark mountains, and in Howell county found the peach crop very fine on the hills, while in the valleys they were killed. One day he went into one of the commission men's houses and found the w^hole upper story filled with dried peaches. Thinks that in that belt peach growing Avill be a success and there we will have to look for our peaches. The Secretary read the following letters from persons whom he had addressed for items for the State report : Gkeencastle, Ind., Nov. 2d, 1884. L. A. Goodman: Yours of the 21st ult. should have had earlier attention but for pressure of business. I thank you very much for the honor of an invitation to pre- sent a paper to your Society in December. Nothing could please me better than to meet Missouri horticul- turalists at hovie. From the foretaste I had at Kansas City last winter, I know I would enjoy the occasion. As for my ability to return an "equivalent," for the pleasure I would enjoy, I am not so clear. But seriously, my dear friend, it will hardly be possible for me to comply with your request. The pressure of business is so great upon my time that I must forego all pleasures for the present. Shall expect to meet you at New Orleans in January. With kind regards to all friends, I am, as ever, Very Truly, W. H. RAGAN. Annual Meeting at St. Josejili. 125 Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 3d, 1884. L. A. Goodman : My Dear Sir : — Yours of Oct. 23d, at hand. It would af- ford me pleasure to write an item or two for your coming report. But the fact is, I am so very busy, and then I am not much of a writer. I however send you a report of onr Ohio Agricultural and Horticultural Experiment Station, and last year's report of our Montgomery county, Ohio, Horticultural society ; probably the most active local horticultural society in the land. In perusing them you may find something that would be of interest to some one. I wish I could be with you at your annual meeting, Dec. 9th to 11th, but it cannot be. Our Ohio State Horticultural Society will meet at Columbus, 0., Dec. 3d to 5tli ; would be glad to have you come and see us. Remember me to your President, Mr. Tracy, with whom I have the honor of being acquainted. Very Truly yours, N. Ohmer. Denison, Texas, October 30, 1884. L. A. Goodman : Yours of 22nd came in my absence at New Orleans. It would be a pleasure to write something for your state report, were I not already "loaded to the guards." Have just returned from New Orleans, where I have been arranging for my botanical display of the native grapes of the United States with their wild and culti- vated varieties and hybrids. Earle & Son, Tracy & Galloway, with their large force are busy as beavers in the exposition. The exposi- tion will be even grander than advertised. New projects are sprung every day. Altogether some 60 acres of ground will be covered with buildings, 36 acres in main, 15 in government, and balance scattered among a dozen or more accessories. Wish I could be with you at your meeting in St. Joe, but that is at my busiest season. Wishing you a grand success I am Truly yours, T. V. MUNSON. 126 Missouri State Horticultural Society. St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 2, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Secretary Missouri Horticultural Society, West- port, Mo. : Dear Sir: — While I appreciate your kind attention and courtesy in inviting me to your meeting December 9th and llth,at St. Joseph Mo., I feel that my advanced age and condition of health do not permit my being present there, and there is so little to be said about the subject you desire me to prepare a jDaper, that I shall try to send you one — very short — in time for the 10th (Thursday). Should my friend and partner, Mr. Meissner, be able to attend — I shall transfer the pleasant task to him, and hope you will excuse. Yours truly, ISIDOE BUSH. Boston, Mass.., Oct. 27, 1884. L. A. Goodinan, Sec. Mo. Horticultural Society: Dear Sir : Your favor requesting an item for your state report is at hand, and I would gladly comply with it if possible, but I do not feel equal to giving you even a paragraph ; for I have lost three weeks by sickness, and was behind-hand in my work before, and am not yet as strong as I ought to be. I am promised an assistant, and perhaps, hereafter, when my arrears are cleared up, I can give you an item for some future report. I am glad to know that you expect to make a good show at New Orleans. We shall try to do something ; but distance, and the fact that fruit growing as a business is not extensive here, are against us. Yours truly, EOBERT MANNING, Sec. Mass. Hort. Soc. Alton, III., Oct. 28, 1884. Mr. L. A. Goodman, Westport, Mo : Dear Sir : Yours of the 23rd received. I do not know tln^ I have any item that would be valuable to the fruit growers of the west. Our knowledge is gathered little by little ; though I no doubt know some things now I did not know a year ago, yet it is so little a thing in itself, I am hardly conscious of it. I would like to be with you at St. Joe., but hardly think lean. Respectfully, E. A. EIEHL. ^ Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 12? South Havex, Mich., Xov. 10, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Sec. Mo. Horticultural Society, Dear Sir : I have, for a considerable time, been very busy arranging for the collecting of specimens of our fruits, for exhi- tion at New Orleans ; and find your favor of 23rd ult., upon my table, on my return home. A few years since, a friend sent me a few persimmon seed, grown in Southern Indiana. Understanding that this tree is indigenous there, as I understand it to be in your state, and that the thermometer in your latitude occasionally in winter gets down among the twenties below zero, while here it never runs down below sixteen, I planted these seeds, and suc- ceeded in growing quite a number of the trees, hoping to succeed with them, and possibly to mature the fruit. Several of them are now fine trees, six or seven feet in height ; and, while a few of them have stood unprotected through a number of rather severe winters, others have been more or less winter killed ; and four or five, out of about a dozen planted out in the spring of 1883, were killed outright by the past winter. I am curious to learn whether or not they are ever injured with you, and whether our seasons (in latitude forty-three) are likely to be sufficiently long to allow the fruit to mature. Very truly yours, T. T. LYON. Newburgh, K Y. , Oct. 29, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Dear Sir : Your favor of the 24th at hand, and in reply say that I would be pleased to comply with your request if my mental and physical ability wouldjpermit — my back is so painful that I am unable to answer the many letters I receive in answer to inquiries relating to names of fruits, and as to my opinion as to their merits ; also, specimens of fruits come in daily to name, &c., &c., so that I have not time even to answer all to accomplish all. I am still suffering from the injury I received in my back two years since so that I have but little use of it and can only walk a few rods at a tipie, and the spine being injured, there is little if any encour- agement. With best wishes for your health and welfare, I remain, Very truly yours, CHAS. DOWNING. 128 Missouri iSfate Horticiclfural Society. Office of American Pomological Society, Boston; November 29, 1884. Dear Sir : I have been always much interested in the reports of your Missouri Horticultural Society and the wonderful progress of pomology in the Western States, among which your association stands forth so prominently both for enterin-ise and acquisitions. The apples which the society had the kindness to send me last year were very remarkable for their size and beauty, not excelled by any collection I have ever received, and I suppose your exhi- bition at the great exposition at New Orleans will astonish the pomologists of the old world. The Missouri Horticultural Society has been a powerful agent in the advancement of American pomology. Well do I remember the hospitality with which the American Pomological Society was received at its meeting in St. Louis in .1867, and tlie kind words of President Mead, Dr. Spaulding, Arthur Bryant, and others ; especially those of the venerable Dr. Edwards in introducing the lady who placed on my head a beau- tiful wreath of flowers in bebalf of the ladies of St, Louis. And now, my dear secretary, I desire to express to the members of your society the great interest I feel in the advance- ment of the pomology of our blessed land. Xo other country has such capabilities and no other has made such wonderful progress. In the order of Providence she has become a great leader in this most beautiful and benevolent employment. The next meeting of the American Pomological Society is to be held in Michigan next year, when I doubt not there will be a full representation of the best men and the best fruits of our immense domain in which the Missouri Horticultural Society will occupy an important place, and I fondly hope to see a great reformation in the nomenclature of our fruits. This is a subject which has lain near my heart for many years and which I hope may be accomplished before I go hence. You have copies of the rules of pomology adopted by the Americal Pomological Society with my suggestions as to the proper naming of fruits, which I am most happy to learn are being adopted not only here, but in Europe, thus striking from our catalogue and suppressing all long, superfluous, indelicate, inap- propriate, and bombastic names. The American Pomological Society was the first national society thus interested, of which we have any record. It is her mission to lead in this most worthy enterprise. Let her fulfill it. MAESHALL P. WILDEE. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph/ 129 A motion was made and unanimously carried that Hon. Mar- shall P. Wilder, of Boston, Mass.; Charles Downing, of Newbnrgh , N. Y., and T. T. Lj'on, of Grand Haven, Mich., be made honorary members of this society. ( The report of committee on small fruits, was taken up, one by Samuel Miller, Bluff ton, and W. M. Hopkins, Kansas City, and by Jacob Faith, Montevallo. SMALL FRUITS. BY SAMUEL MILLER, BLUFFTON, MO. Strawberries a fair crop with a few exceptions. Old Ironclad and Piper gave but Httle fruit although the plants were vigorous and healthy. Howell's Prolific bore but little. Walter proved a complete failure. Lenning's White nearly so. Magnum Bonum bore some fine fruit but the foliage sunburned badly. The same may be said of Albany and Ladies Pine. The heaviest crops were of James Vick and Daisy, two new ones. Although Cumberland Triumph, Crescent, Capt. Jack, AVindsor Chief, &c., as usual, did well enough. Jersey Queen was the largest average berry we had and a good crop of beautiful and excellent ones at that. Quite a number of new varieties were set out last spring, but of them hereafter. A hint to those who have the situations. Yesterday I was planting the latest varieties I have on a northern slope, partially shaded, and will next plant the earliest sorts on the south side of the cliffs, so as to prolong the fruiting season. Raspberries did well, with the exception of Grregg which seems to give out. Among the new ones, Caroline is a handsome, large yellow, ^ex- cellent one, and propagates both fern tips and suckers. Is hardy and productive. Among the Black Caps I deem the Centennial about the most valuable, on account of its earliness, productiveness of large brilliant black, excellent berries. 130 Missouri State Hor^ticultural Society. Of reds, Turner, Cutlibert and Colossal are my most reliable. Currants I have but one bush, and that had but little fruit. Gooseberries, Houghton and Downing both bore well, the lat- ter much the largest and best, but will not bear as much as the former. Blackberries, Snyder and Western Triumph bore a small crop, but Kittatinny and Lawton never worth looking after. This latter fruit I only grow for my own use. I cannot attend the coming meeting of the society. REPORT ON SMALL FRUITS. BY W. M. HOPKINS. As one of the committee on small fruits, according to the requirement of the society, I submit this report for the year 1884. In consequence of a late, cold, backward spring strawberries were late starting consequently behind in ripening about ten days. The crop was about a full average one contiguous to Kansas City. Prices much lower than usual. A great deal of very poor stock was shipped into this market before home grown berries were ripe, and sold at ruinous prices to the grower. This poor stock had a very depressing influence on prices of home grown ; the consumer having too much bad strawberry was very slow to take hold. I think that at least one-half of the strawberries sent to commission men here later in the season were never placed on this market, being shipped direct from the union depot to western and southwestern points, thus relieving this market of what would have proven a heavy glut. I cannot urge the grower too strongly to pick and handle this tender fruit with the greatest care if you exjiect to realize paying prices in this market. It will pay. Red and Black Cap raspberries were about three- fourths of a croji and realized good prices. There was the usual heavy glut only for a day or two, and good stock in good condition sold to retailers at fair prices. Blackberries were almost a failure and brought high figures. The rust has destroyed nearly all of the Kittatinny and some others. Thus far the Snyder and Taylor are entirely exempt. The currant crop in this vicinity was much larger than I have ever seen it before, and j^aid the grower well ; it seems to be doing better of late years, or probably we have learned better how to treat it. Annual Meeting at St. Josejili. 131 The gooseberry is so uncertain and if it ever is successful, is too poor a fruit to waste laud or time in cultivating it. All kinds of small fruits are in excellent condition, especially the strawberry. The Black Caps have made a good healthy growth, not so rampant as some seasons, and not made as many tips as usual. All are going into winter quarters with unusual promise of a good crop the coming season. Be sure to cover the strawberry beds lightly with clean wheat straw as soon as the ground freezes sufficiently to bear up a wagon. REPORT ON SMALL FRUIT. BY LIONBERGER & GUTMANN, NEW FLORENCE, MO. S. Miller : We will try to comply with your request in regard to a report on small fruit. However, we have not been in business long enough to give as complete a report as we would like to. Straivberries. — We only had a few varieties in fruit last summer ; of these we found Jersey Queen to be one of the very best. Captain Jack, Daisy and James Vick have done excellent ; while Old Ironclad and Piper did rather poor. Crystal City had fine fruit, which came early, but was not of the best quality. Big- Bob and Manchester we do not think deserve the praise some nurserymen give them. Ida had a good deal of fruit, which, though small, was of good quality. In August we had commenced planting a new plantation. The fact is, we have been planting more or less the Avhole fall. Of the first planting we find Old Ironclad and Piper to show the most vigor, next comes C. Triumph, then Daisy, James Yick, Capt. Jack, Jersey Queen and Crystal City. Manchester and Big Bob do very poor. Of Sharpless, Crescent^ C. Downing, and Olendale, which we planted late, we could not say much at present. Raspberi'ies. — We have the following sorts : Cuthbert, Turner, Thwack, Doolittle, Gregg, Caroline, Moody, Shaffer's Colossal, Crimson Beauty, Lost Rubies, Scarlet Gem and Stayman's No. 2. Cuthbert, Turner and Thwack have done fine with us. Shaffers Colossal is a fine fruit of the largest size, and, we think, is one of the best for home use ; but- doubt whether it is attractive enough for market. Gregg and Doolittle we think a great deal of, and 132 Missouri State Horticultural Society. they certainly ought to have a place in every collection. Scarlet Gem has fine everbearing qualities and consider it one of the best. Of the other sorts we will have to wait another year before ex- pressing our opinion. BlacTcherries. — Kittatinny, AVestern Triumph and Needham's White are the only kind we have ; but cannot brag on either of them. The former two ripened a few enormous, large specimens, but very few of them ; while the last named has not fruited with us yet. We have them all on rich ground, but expect to set out a new plantation on poorer land, in order to give them a thorough trial. We have seen the Lawton doing very fine, in a garden, a- few miles distant. Currants. — Of these we have but few, mostly red and white Dutch. We like the white best, but we are not acquainted with the newer and finer sorts ; if we were, perhaps we would report different. Gooseherries. — Houghton's Seedling is the only variety we have in fruit, though we have others on trial. Though we do not consider gooseberries much of a fruit when in their best, we must say that Houghton did excellent for us. REPORT OF JACOB FAITH, OF MOKTEVALLO. MoNTEVALLO, Dec. 8th, 1884. This meeting is for a good purjDOse. I am sorry that I cannot be present, and you have my best wishes. I would not miss being a member for $1.00 a year. I value my horticultural report much higher than the cost of being a member. The past season I had a good and paying crop of strawberries from one and one-fourth acres. T sold 1625 worth of strawberries. They sold from eight to twenty cents per quart. My last report in form of a table, still holds good for this year, with the exception of the Lennings White which falls two short in produc- tiveness, and Chas. Downing and Miner's Prolific a gain of one point each . I can grow strawberries for two cents per quart, and get them picked for one and one-half cents per quart. Who would deprive himself and family of this delicious fruit for three and @ne-half cents per quart? I have been successful in mixing the Chas. Down- ing with the Crescent, as the Chas. Downing blooms about the same time as the Crescent, which is a pistilate and must be ferti- lized with a staminate, blooming and ripening at the same time. Annual Meeting at St. Josejjh. 133 The best time to set strawberries m this latitude is March, April and May and September, October, i^ovember and December. Do not set too early in fall, as the plant should be well matured be- fore being set. The season can be lengthened by setting early var- ieties in light, sandy soil and on south or southeast hill side. For late varieties and late croj) on north hill side on heavy soil; and if jou want very late crops pick oif all fruit stems as fast as they ap- pear ; keep the plants well watered and mulched and we are almost certain of a fair crop in September and October. I prefer the matted row system ; rows four feet apart, plants in rows eight to twelve inches, keep clean with hoe and cultivator, train the run- ners along the rows as they grow out, and they will soon form a matted row; keep the runners within twenty-four inches ; this can be done by keeping the cultivator or plow going between the rows. Mulching is very beneficial when freezing weather sets in. All have rotten straw or clean hay, clear of seeds, but I prefer coarse stable manure ; the winter rains and light snows will carry down into the ground all the strength of the manure ; answering as a mulch in the spring, keeping the ground moist and . the berries clean. In spring, if the mulching is over one-half an inch thick, it must be loosened, or some of it raked off. * With spring set plants that were well matted, I have been very successful without mulching, and mulch only the middles to keep outside berries clean, and also for the benefit of pickers. A late growth of crab grass will not injure berries and will answer for a mulch. Raspberries follow strawberries. This season we had straw- berries and early raspberries for two weeks every meal at the table. The raspberry can be grown with less work than corn. After the first year this fruit is also very profitable to dry, and can and then be kept until prices suit, but not as many varieties adapt them- selves to our soil and climate as strawberries. Time to set is in the fall, after the first light frosts, until the plants are four or five inches high in spring. Set the plants a little deeper than they were in the nursery, but with roots down straight and sj^read out fan-shaped ; make the hole with a paddle three inches Avide, press groundto.it; set like strawberries ; ground for all kinds of fruits should be subsoiled. I prefer subsoiling to double plowing. I plant black-cap raspberries seven feet apart and two feet apart in the rows. Eeds, six feet apart and ten to fifteen inches apart in 134 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the rows. I cultivate the first year like strawberries; when the plants are fifteen inches hightoiD them the first year; but after the first year top them when they are three feet high. Keep this up until all the young canes are topped. Shorten the side branches to fifteen inches, plow twice a year and in fall or winter throw a shovel full of manure to each hill. I have twenty-two varieties, but plant Centennial, Hoi^kins, Mammoth Cluster and Gregg for my best black-caps, and Brandywine, Thwack and Turner as the best reds. I have two acres of raspberries ; have not kept any account of what they brought me, but I know they brought me some days ten dollars per da}^ from neighbors who picked the berries themselves, or about eight cents per quart. I had very good success in planting strawberries among rasp- berries— three strawberry plants between each two raspberry plants, both set at the same time and the same cultivation answering for both. In this way, I had this season a full crop of strawberries, and when they were about gone, the raspberries came in and made a full crop, but it takes more manure. I will plant two acres next spring, all this way. It was a beautiful sight, and was admired by all who saw it. One Sunday evening I counted ninety-seven persons who visited me to see the sight. Blackberries, *I have tested seven varieties. I plant Kittatinny and Snyder, rows seven feet apart, and ten to eighteen inches apart in the row, cultivate and top oif like raspberries. Black- berries bore a fair crop, but as yet have not paid me much, though only the first crojD. Between the rows I grow potatoes, cabbage and beans. I have a selection of new varieties, but not sufficiently tested yet. I see the curculio will be discussed ; I have learned by experience and observation that ^Jlums cannot be successfully grown unless hogs are allowed to run in the orchard to eat all the fallen fruit which is stung by the curculio. I have seen plum orchards bear good crops for from three to five years, but the curculio stung fruit was allowed to rot on the ground, which are now perfectly worthless and within a mile of same soil and locality, with care and where hogs were allowed to eat the fallen fruit, good and paying crops have been raised every year. I believe one acre of plums is worth two acres of corn for hogs, and can be grown for much less. Plums can be kept for months in barrels in water. It IS very beneficial to plums after they drop the bloom to smoke them once or twice a week with tar and sulphur. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 135 In my recipe against rabbits I must have made a mistake. Take four pounds of sulphur, half bushel of lime, slack with hot water or soapsuds boiling hot, and stir well, then add half gallon of crude carbolic acid and one gallon of gas tar, stir well w^hile hot. Ready for use when cold. For summer use against borers, leave out gas tar and add instead, one gallon of soap. I have tried many remedies to keep rabbits, mice, sheep and borers from trees and found the above much the best one that I ever tried, giving entire satisfaction for the past ?our years on over 4,000 trees of apple, pear, peach and plum. I will not say much on the apple as Mr. Liston, of Yirgil City, will be there who is best posted in this country on this sub- ject. It is best to set apple trees shallow, lean towards southwest and head low, prune a little once or twice a year with finger and thumb, wash the bark and keep smooth, keep off rabbits, mice and sheep, cultivate in spring and first part of summer. Mulching will cause the roots to grow near the surface, if kept up afterwards. THE RASPBERRY— BEST LOCATION AND BEST VARI- ETIES FOR MARKET, BY W. M. HOPKINS, KANSAS CITY. We live in an age of progress and improvement, and the indi- vidual or community, that does not recognize this fact, and keep abreasi with the times, will soon be lost in the fogs and ruts of old fogyisn. About a quarter of a century ago, the business of raising small fi'uits for market was a very small and unimportant vocation, and wa5 looked upon with much fear and foreboding for future success. Instead of failure what do we see to-day? A grand suc- cess that entitles it to be classed as one of the great and growing commercial industries of the age. To what shall we attribute the great ctange ? To the industry, perseverance and skill of the pro- ducers of the soil, assisted by organized effort and influence of horticultural societies scattered all over the land. A little over a decade igo such a thing as crates and boxes filled with luscious berries vere quite a novelty in the Kansas City market, but now each succeeding season we see thousands of crates sold to consumers by retaibrs and thousands shipped off to seek a market elsewhere. 13 G Missouri State Horticultural Society. All of this time we have had a horticultural society of live working members who meet regularly ouce a month and discuss all subject? pertaining to fruit raising, thereby imparting much valuable in- formation to the public. Therefore let me urge all friends of hor- ticulture to aid and assist the officers of the Missouri State Socfety in their present efforts to organize our great state and place ic on an equal footing with our sister states. Now I will come to my subject, ''The Raspberry." It is divided into two branches best location, and best varieties for market. Select a high, drv, level, well drained location, sloping gently to the south or east x'or early berries, north for late ones. Avoid all hillsides if possible. My. reasons for this are the raspberry plantation should be i;ept well cultivated before and after picking until the last of Septeaiber. As a consequence our heavy rains will wash away all of the best soil, making it useless to apply fertilizers ; and this is not all,your stools will be left high and dry on a ridge thus exposing the roots )ind thereby diminishing the yield. In view of these facts I would say plant all kinds of berries on level land or nearly so. The second branch of my subject, " What Varieties to Plant for Market," may not be so satisfactorily solved because of so many candidates for public favor among nurserymen,each one claiming his pet or favorite as thebest. Of the black caps, I would recommend the "Hopkins' for early and the Gregg for late, and here modesty whispers me io go slow, while I liear some one say,he has also an axe to grind. It was charged that one of our illustrious presidents appointed nearly,all of his kinsmen according to the flesh to office. I hope you will par- don me if I say a good word or two for ray bantling. It is a good strong healthy grower, as yet entirely free from rust or diseaae, en- tirely hardy, very productive and of first rate quality; for calming has no equal. It has never been pushed, but has gained a reputa- tion upon its merits alone. As an evidence of its increasing popu- larity, I shipped on order five thousand tips the last spring toone of the largest small fruit growers of New Jersey. Its season of ripen- ing is with Doolittle or four or five days behind. Tlie Gregg fe a fine large berry, a good shipper but rather poor in quality. Th& Hop- kins is destined to take the place of both Doolittle and Mahimoth Cluster, as they are rusting badly in tlie vicinity of Kansas City and will soon be numbered with the good berries that have gone before. If your land for black caps is not naturally rich nii^e it so witk rotted barn yard manure, and keep it so afterwards wiih dried blood as a fertilizer. I always select the best land I have' for my black caps as they are rank feeders, but moderately rich land I Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 13T think the best for the reds. Eich land stimuhites them too much, causing a rank, spongy growth which sometimes caitses them to be injured by our hard, severe winters. I would say about the same kind of location for the red as the black. Cuthbert and Thwack are the best varieties I have tested. The Cuthbert is a fine large berry of good quality. Plant a little tender here, but sells well. The Thwack is a very hardy plant, the best shipper we have, quality rather poor, quite productive! With my experience of fifteen years there has not been a failure in the crop of raspberries. I con- sider it the most certain of all the fruits, and the most profitable next to the strawberry. Its consumption will keep pace with the rapidly increasing population of the great metropolis of the "^new west." There is very little danger of overstocking the market with good berries well handled. Discussiox. Charles Patterson: — Has the largest berries on the richest ground. /. X. Menifee: — Has been testing many new varieties. Hansel was very fine and very early, and they were all red with ripe fruit before the Turner began to turn. Cuthbert is the best for market and comes in just after the Hansel. Black Caps, Souhegan is the best thus far. Perfectly hardy and has the finest berries of all. Hopkins and Gregg are also Xo. 1. Tyler are very fine also. Souhegan all ripen close together and are the best for close market. The Snyder and Taylor blackberry are the best. Snyder are hardy and have never failed to bear. Taylor follows after the Snyder. G. W. Ropkin.^ : — Thinks that it is a fault to have the berries all ripen at once. F. Holsinger : — The Gregg is the poorest of all with him. As for a red I find the Thwack the best of all. W. H. Thomas : — Finds Doolittle one of his best berries and ripens gradually, and never fails to bear. Trims back the tops and cuts the laterals three or four times, and finds that it makes a fine bush and never fails to bear. Has not the Ho^Dkins or Gregg. J. A. Durkes : — Asks about the Caroline. He finds it a verv good berry. L. A. Goodman: — Says with him, and with all the fruit growers about Kansas City, their berries would never bear at all, if they were trimmed as suggested by W. H. Thomas. 138 Missouri State Horticultural Society. P. Jackson, Carthage: — Finds the Souheghan is fast taking- the place of the Doolittle. Cuthbert is good, Gregg does well also. N. F. Murry : — Thinks the state ought to be divided into three districts, northern, southern and middle and that a com- mittee be appointed from each district to give a list of varieties of fruits that are the most valuable in their district. /. M. Pretzinger, Clinton .-—Has a berry found in the woods and has brought some plants for the use of the society. They are hardy and productive. The Chair announced the following committees : On Fruit Exhibits — G. F. Espenlaub, Chas. Patterson, J. P. Rickard. On Final Resolutions — Dan Carpenter, Geo. Meissner, C. H. Fink. On Nominations — Z. S. Ragan, N. F. Murry, P. Jackson. On Memorializing Legislature for Appointment of State En- tomologist— J. C. Evans, Z. S. Ragan, Dan. Carpenter. On Obituaries — G. W. Hopkins, W. H. Thomas, J.N. Men- ifee. On Membership — J. A. Durkes; J. Madinger, E. Listen. On Finance — P. Holsinger, D. S. Holman, W. G. Gano. Adjourned to 1:30 p. m. WEDNESDA Y A FTERNO ON. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, L. A. GOODMAN. At our summer meeting I reported that our society was work- ing its way gradually, but surely, to its own place of prominence in this state that it should occupy. Now I am glad to report that during the last one-half year we have obtained a firmer hold on the horticulturist than ever before. Now not a day passes but that I receive from one to ten letters either of enquiry, or of information. Before I have had to do all the writing and now I am beginning to receive responses. I foiind, and still find my greatest trouble to be a non acquaint- ance with the florist, fruit-growers, nurserymen and commission men of the state. An acquaintance, however short, gives your secretary a wonderful advantage over writing to strangers. Anmial Meeting at St. Joseph. 139 But we are overcoming these troubles gradually, and in time hope to see them vanish. It was no easy work to get these people to take an interest in our work, especially, I suppose, because they thought the State So- ciety did not accomjilish much. One year ago we had very few members, and but two horti- cultural societies, while to-day we have a long list of members and nine societies. The work has now taken such an impetus that before the end of another year we hope to see them doubled or trebled. FKUIT REPORTS. On May 27th, I sent qut the following blank. No. 20, to every county of the State : SECEETAEY'S OFFICE, Missouri State Horticultural Society, Westport, Mo., May 27, 1884. Will you please examine your trees and vines on June 3rd closely, and answer the following questions as far as possible : (1) Taking 100 as a full crop, give the percentage of the fol' lowing fruits now on the trees and vines : Apples Cherries, Blackberries — Peaches, Plums, • Raspberries, Pears, Strawberries,. GrajJes, (2) What are the prospects for a full crop of the following fruits ? (Give the percentage). Apples, Plums, Easpberries Cherries, Strawberries Grapes, (3) What three or four varieties of the following fruits will have the best crops, and the percentage of each : varieties. per cent, varieties. per cent. Apples, Strawberries Pears EasiDberries Cherries Grapes, Plums (4) What is the present condition of trees and vines ? 140 Missouri State Horticultural Society. (5) Did the winter injure the following : Apples, Cherries, Strawberries, Rasj)berries Peaches Plums^ Blackberries, Grapes, (6) Are the berries affected by the rust, and which have Buffered most ? (7) What insects are troublesome this year ? Let these reports be sent me on June 5th, so that I may com- pile them for the State meeting, to be held at Springfield, June 10th and 11th. L. A. GOODMAN, Sec'y. REPORT. PERCENTAGE OF FRUIT NOW ON THE TREES AND VINES. Apples, 78 per ct. Peaches, 00 " Pears, 60 Cherries, 65 per ct> Plums, native 80 " Strawberries, 95 " Blackberries, 45 per ct. Raspberries, 75 " Grapes, 60 " PRESENT CONDITION. Apples are generally in good condition, although in many places some varieties are affected with the rust, especially in central and southern parts of the state. Peach crop badly injured, and showing the leaf roller at work, and trees dying in many places. Berries are generally in good condition, except the blackberry, in the central part of the state, where they were badly injured, (except Snyder.) WINTER INJURY. Apples in many places, especially on the rich prairies, were badly injured, and now show it by casting their fruit. The tender varieties show it more now than ever. The loss of the fruit will be the salvation of the trees, and they will be ready for another year. Peach trees were so badly injured that it is a question if any of the older trees will ever give us a good crop, or be good trees again. I think that we must look to our new i^lanting for our good peaches hereafter. Those who did not cut back their trees find them making poor growth ; many have cut them to the ground. In the southern part of the state the trees are in splendid condition, and along the Arkansas line they look well. Annual Meeting at St. Jo&epli. 141 PKOSPECTS. T^e prospects are not quite so favorable ; much of the fruit appearing as though it mast drop off.. Apples, 65 per ct. Peaches, 00 " Pears, 50 Cherries. 60 per ct. Plums, 75 Strawberries, 90 "■ Blackberries, 40 per ct. Raspberries, 70 " Grapes, GO " WHAT VARIETIES HAVE THE BEST CROPS. Apples, — We find all give Ben Davis 80 to 110 per cent. Those in N. W. part of the State, Winesap, 75 to 90 per cent. Some give Jannett, 60 to 80 per cent. Jonathan, 80 to 100 per cent. Willowtwig, 60 to 90 per cent. W. W. Pearmain, 80 to 90 per cent. Huntsman, 60 to 80 per cent. Pears, — Duchess, Bartlett, Seckel, 60 to 80 per cent. Clierries, — E. Richmond, E. Morello, 40 to 70 per cent. Plums, — Wild Goose, 85 per cent. Strawherries, — Crescent, Monarch, Bidwell, 90 to 100 per cent. Raspberries, — Hopkins, Gregg, Doolittle, 80 to 100 per cent. Blackberries, — Snyder, 100 per cent. Grapes, — Concord, Martha, 80 to 90 per cent. Cherries were a little injured but show a fair crop of fruit, and no permanent injury to the Morello varieties, but the tender varieties are injured beyond recovery. Plums are not injured in the least, (that is the Wild Goose varieties. ) The others do not pay to grow. Straiuberries well covered were safe. Raspberries, — Some of the tender varieties were badly injured, and there will not be more than half a crop. The hardy varieties will have a good three-quarters of a crop, and in many places more. Blackberries, — All varieties badly injured except Snyder, and that has stood in every part of the state. If it were not so small it would be the berry to plant. Grapes, — Many varieties, and the finer ones were badly injured by the cold, but the old hardy kinds are still sound, and promise well. • 143 Missouri State Horticultural Society. The berries have been aifected with the rust ; even the straw- berry has shown it badly, especially the Charles Downing. In some places the injury has been very severe. The blackberry seems destined to be ruined in many places where it has not already been 80, and we will have to look to other varieties or other localities for our blackberries. The raspberry, also, has begun to show signs of rust, and I fear we will soon see it go the way of the blackberry. The reports show that there has been very little trouble from insects this year. The cold weather has kept them down to a greater or less extent, but we will have enough later in the season is the prophecy of all. In the northwestern part of the state I find that there is the greatest per cent, of a crop of apples. In the western central part of the state, along tlie Missouri River, there will be medium crop, and as there are so many orchards there will be a good many apples. In the central part the prospects are not as good. In the southwestern part there seems to be about one-half of a crop, and as there are a great many young trees planted they will be fine. In the southeastern portion apples do not seem to be a great staple, and there will not be very many, although the per cent, is good. In the northeastern portion it is somewhat the same, and although the average is large the amount of bearing trees is not as great. All of these averages will be lowered by the time the August report is made. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. This gave the prospects for June, and fruit-growers were happy to think of such an abundant fruit crop. On August 1st I sent out another blank, No. 32, as follows, to find the amount of fruit we were likely to have ; and the results this fall have justified the report made from those instructions : SECRETAEY"S OFFCE, \ MissouEi State Horticultural Society, f FRUIT report. Date of Report, County, Name, P. 0., Give the per cent, of a crop of Apples, Pears, Grapes, * Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 143 Give the varieties of apjoles that have the best crops and per cent. What portion of the crop will be good merchantable apples? What is the tronble with the fruit, and can you give the cause, if any? What is the present condition of the apple trees? What locations have suffered most ? / What varieties are affected worst? Will you please answer these questions and return to me at once. L. A. GOODMAN". Wesfport, August^ Ist, 1884. Thus we have the result of these questions, as follows : REPORT FOR AUGUST, 1884. As we continue to hear more and more from the fruit men of our state, we find an increasing interest in our state society. Our inquiries concerning the fruit crop for the August report have been answered more fully than ever before. APPLES. We find that the average jirospect for the entire state is 58 per cent, of a full crop. This prospect for winter apples is much better than we expected some time ago, and it is our own opinion that this is rather under than over our real situation. The varieties standing highest on the list are : First — Ben Davis. Second — Willowtwig. Third — Smith's Cider. Fourth — Jannett, ( Maiden's Blush, Lowell, Keswick Codlin, Duchess, E. Harvest, Red Astrachan, Soi3s of Wine, Benoni.) Only about one-half of the crop will be good, merchantable apples, and fine fruit will bring good prices this winter. 144 Missouri State Hoi^ticultural Society. The cause of so much dropping of fruit and scab is attributed, by some, to the cold winter ; by others, to the frost of last spring ; by others, to insects ; and by others, to location. The present condition of apple trees »is very favorable in young orchards, but in some of the older ones the trees are in very bad condition ; and this is especially true of certain varieties, among which are : Winesap, White Winter Pearmain, Ortley and Eo- manite. Trees in low localities seem to have suffered most, and on the prairies more than in timber. The greatest per cent does not j^rove tlie most bushels, because the young orchards are the fullest. The prospect for grapes is about 50 per cent of a full crop. Respectfully, ■ L. A. GOODMAN, Sec^y. Westport, Missouri. I give these reports together, although a space of three months intervened between them, because it will be much easier to refer to them hereafter. . EXHIBIT OF THE STATE SOCIETY AT THE WORLD'S FAIR AT NEW ORLEANS. This next demands our attention and what has been done has been done under the greatest difficulties and expenses. Some of the railroads gave us assistance in this matter very generously. No- tably the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis, the Missouri Pacific and the Wabash railroads. Other than this I have had to pay my expenses. To assist in the matter and save as much expense as possible I had printed circular No. 34 and sent to every county paper in the state and to 500 different persons, and the result was that I have received many packages of fruit from different portions of the state. SECRETARY'S OFFICE, ] Missouri State Horticultural Society. ' [ Westport, Mo., July 1, 1884. Dear Sir : You are aware that our State Society wishes to make an exhibition of fruits' at the cotton centennial exposition, held at New Orleans next winter. To do this, we want the best late summer, fall and winter pears and apples. This fruit will Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 145 have to be kept in cold storage until December, and arrangements have been made with the Cold Storage Co., 401 Grand Avenue, of Kansas City, who have kindly agreed to keep the fruit free of charge until the time of the exposition. Now we desire your co-operation to assist in collecting these fruits, and every one who has any good specimens or can get them can help in this matter by making this collection and forwarding to me. We would urge you to make an effort in this and do all you can. We want a fine show of these fruits, and Missouri can make it if we do our duty. Of early kinds we want fifteen specimens of each and of the later varieties ten of each. Wrap each specimen well in paper, and put in paper sacks with the name plainly written on them ; or put the name with each apple as you wrap it with paper. Pack these in boxes holding one-third bushel, and put plenty of paper in packing, so they cannot move. Horticultural societies can bring their collections to their meetings and then select the best from them and pack as above. The fruit should be gathered with the following rules in view : 1st. Condition of fruit, which should be in its natural state, not rubbed, nor polished, nor specked, bruised, eroded, nor wormy; with all its parts, stem, calyx, segments, well preserved ; not wilted, nor shriveled ; clean. 2nd. The size should be large and the specimens should run even. 3rd. Form should be regular, and the lot should be even. 4th. The color and markings should be in character, not blotched nor scabby ; in fact, a perfect fruit. All eaj'ly fruit must be gathered while firm and sent as soon as ripe and not soft. Put a list of varieties in each box and mark the box with your name. Send me a list of the varieties, also when they are shipped, and by what express company sent, to have for reference. Send them by express to me, at Kansas City, Mo., care of Kansas City Cold Storage Company, 401 Grand Avenue, Kansas City. ^ L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. We hold with the Cold Storage Co., at Kansas City, some thirty or more barrels of fine specimen apples for that display, and with the collection made at this meeting, I think we need not fear to meet any state. 146 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Had it not been for tlie volunteer assistance from our horti- cultural societies, my work would have been much heavier and the expenses much more. The thanks of this society are due those who have so kindly assisted us in this. Our exhibit will go to New Orleans the last of this month and will be made in the horticultural building. I suppose no other state has attempted a display by its horti- cultural society without money for this purpose from the state. Other states have from 11,000 to as high as 17,000 for their horticultural display, and while our state received the 15,000, the same as other states, yet the horticultural society could not obtain one cent from the United States Commissioner from our state. Not one iota of' help have I been able to obtain in any shape from him, so that what we have done, we have done on our state allowance, and that, with the generous assistance of the fruit-grow- ers, has made our collection. Our display should by all means go into the state display, but we are compelled to compete for premiums to help pay expenses, w]iile the Commissioner does not seem to want it. This exhibit, although it has caused a great deal of extra labor, yet it has been a means of reaching many persons who could not be reached in any other way, and it has caused the people to know that our state society is alive and at work ; and this work is a work of instruction tg us all alike. RECOMMENDATIONS. MEMBERSHIP. Your secretary would first recommend that every member make it a personal matter to secure members to our State Society, because we need all the workers and all the assistance we can get. The small fee of one dollar per member is a promise of interest and work for the society, and I feel free to ask any member for favors or assistance in our work, because I know they are interested. We certainly should have five hundred members in our state, and we can liave if we will all do our duty in this matter. There are a number of honorary members, and of life members in the state, but I cannot find their names and wish every one entitled to such would inform me, so I could make a list of them. Annual Meeti7ig at St. Joseph. 147 LIBRARY. I have brought this subject up at nearly every meeting, and yet I feel it to be of so much importance that I refer to it again. We should have a certain amount set aside each year for the purchase of standard works on fruits, insects, gardening, landscape gardening, ornamentals, nursery and green house work, &c. This library would be for reference on any subject that may present itself, and would usually settle many points in dispute. Such a library would benefit hundreds of fruit growers all over the state, and when I can see all matters referred to the office of the secretary or librarian for information, and close connection between all members on the subjects of common interest, questions continually coming in and answers going out, and the secretary kept busy every day at his work, I shall believe Missouri is taking her right position as a fruit state. '' STATE REPORT. Our report has to be paid for out of our yearly appropriation and it does not give us the money we need for our work. It takes about one-half of it for our printer's bill, when we should have our report printed by the state as do other horticultural societies. For this year's report I found that we had been to so much ex- pense in state work and in the collections of fruits for the World's Fair, that I went to Jefferson City to see the state auditor, John Walker, and present the matter to him and ask his advice. He went with me to the state printer and told him to use the state paper for printing and that we should pay what we could on it and the balance would be placed in the deficiency bill. Our bill by this contract with the printer will be $(300.00, of which we are to pay in cash 1150.00 and the rest goes i^to the deficiency bill. This will relieve us considerably this year, and return to us what we have spent for the World's Fair. I hope that this matter will be taken up and a request or committee sent to the legislature i-equesting them to have the state printer print our reports as all other state reports are printed. The report of our summer meeting is compiled and is at the printer's. It will be printed by the time this meeting closes and the printer will be ready for the report of this meeting. The Secretary's Budget is nearly complete and if we have no mishaps we will have our state report out by the middle of January. Every year I find more and more work on these reports and 148 Missouri State Horticultural Society. yet as I become more acquainted with it I find I can do it quicker. Our last report was received with favor and I trust this will be better. RAILKOADS. The railroads have been very liberal with us this year and we want them to understand that it is greatly to their interest to assist us. I believe every dollar given us in favors is returned to them a hundred fold. It has come to be a positive necessity that the secretary have passes over the railroads in order to visit the horticultural 'societies, assist in organizing, and working up the interest in the State Society. A resolution to that effect might be of assistance to our society and be a step in the right direction both for the railroads and the society. EXPENSES. Our expenses have necessarily been much greater than before. I have in every instance in sending out reports or asking for re- ports had enough printed to send to every county seat in the state to at least one paper and then to about six hundred others. My idea was to get hold of good men in each county and advertise our society, and to let them know that we were alive. I have been compelled to pay express and other bills as they came in and I could not call on the treasurer or give them a war- rant for the money. Although it is not the correct way I could not do otherwise. Our expenses are about as follows : Mississippi Valley meeting ' ■ I 41.90 Expenses on report of 1883 103.95 Postage on reports sent out 52.00 Premiums for June meeting 30.50 Printing circulars, reports, postal cards, letter heads and envelopes 95.55 Postage 62. 75 Express, papers for budget, sec'y. expenses and incidentals.. 61.40 Collecting fruit for World's Fair 97.15 Total ' $545.20 I have sent out about 4000 circulars and crop reports, written over 1000 postal cards and nearly 1000 letters. I believe that we have more peoj)le interested in the state society than ever before and this work is continually growing and Annual Meeliny at St. Josepli. 149 OUR HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES throughout the state are increasing in influence, and the state society should in every way foster the growth of these in all our counties. They accomplish much good and as they grow older the people will take more interest in them and assist them in their grand work. When we see nearly every county well organized with a horti- cultural society to lead them we shall have a wonderful change in the work both of this society and of our local societies. Every society should send a list of its members and officers to the state society and give a report of their society with the papers read before them during the year. These should as far as possible be printed in our state report and every member, of these local societies should be taken as members of our state society. Every one of these county societies should be entitled to the reports of the state society ; thus making a bond of union between the two. I believe more than ever that we should every year authorize some one to help organize in all the counties that will take an interest in county societies. He should also visit every county society if possible once each year. A STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Our state society should take active measures to induce our legislature to appropriate money enough to secure a good entomol- gist for the state. It is of the utmost importance that we know our insect enemies and our insect friends. The time has come when we will have to fight our insects continually, if we would grow perfect fruit, and it seems as if we were entitled to this officer by right. Let us ask the legislature to give u.s our rights. OUR FRUIT CROP. In June we all expected a crop of good fruit. In October we were all disappointed. What caused this, and the remedy, is a puzzle. The insect destruction is so great that we will have to fight them or lose our reward. I would call the attention of the society to the filthy weed as one of the best cure-alls for our insect pests. I believe, from what experiments I have seen, and what I have heard, that it will be one of the best preventatives of the codling- moth's destructive work. Sprayed over the trees when in bloom and twice afterwards, I believe it will hold them in check. There, is no danger in the use of it and the stems can be obtained very 150 Missouri State Horticultural Society. cheaply. I hope to see some of our members try it the coming year. As we stated last year, pyretJi rum is still gaining in favor and bids fair to be one of our best helpers in this work. Prof. Eiley and other entomologists are making this an especial study and we are fast finding some means of destroying our insect pests. Their work will be of incalculable value to the fruitgrower; yet it is best for each of us make some experiments and tests for ourselves. Prof. Forbes, of Illinois, has made this his especial study for years; he is now giving us such information as will be of great value in our horticultural work. A FEW NEW IMPLEMENTS. I would call the attention of the society to a new card-holder, the work of Charles W. Garfield, of Michigan, wliich seems to be peculiarly adapted to the purpose. I am glad to say, also, that one of our members, J. A. Durkes. of \Yeston, has made the same and thinks we are entitled to the use of it. A hand weeder by I. S. Haseltine, of Dorchester, also is peculiarly adapted to weeding out small plants and strawberries. An apjjle picker, also, the patent of J. C. Merine, is worth double its price to any one in saving specimens for display or in gathering early apples where they need careful handling. A sample of each of the tools is here shown. THE SECKETARY's BUDGET. The budget is made up of clippings from the best horticultural papers of such items as I thought would be of interest to the people of our state. 1 liave made use of the New York Tribune, Ainerican Agri- culturalist, Gardner's Monthly Rural New Yorker, Country Gentleman, Prairie Farmer, Colman's Rural World and a few others. I have tried to give in each instance, credit to the paper from which the item was taken, and if I have failed it is because the authority was not known. This Budget will be the choicest bits of information that can be gathered in a small space. They will be of value for reference also. STATISTICS. I wish we could have satisfactory statistics of the area of our orchards, of our small fruits, and of vineyards. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 151 I wish we might have yearly reports of the amount produced from our orchards from our small fruit farmers and from our vine- yards. These would be very valuable to our state and as information to send abroad. Our Society can scarcely undertake such a work without more money to work on. Yet every day I see the need of this more and more. Other states give reports of the amount of fruit produced and the value of the crop while I cannot give them an answer in return. The value of the apple crop in some of our counties runs up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, while that of small fruits is worth nearly or quite as much. And if the value of the fruit crop of the state was correctly ascertained we would be astonished at the amount. I thus give you some of these thoughts and wants of our Society, not in a fault finding way : but because we want to know them for the benefit of the society. Knowing these things we will have some object in view, some end to obtain in our work, Giving you then the results of our last year's work and an idea of the future work is the only apology I give for the length of my paper. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for 1885 : J. C. EVANS, Harlem, President. E. P. HENRY, Butler, Vice-President. L. A. GrOODMAN, Westport, Secretary. Z. S. RAGrAN, Independence, Treasurer. The following resolutions were presented to the Society and by a unanimous rising vote of the members they were adopted. The Missouri State Horticultural Society in its twenty- seventh annual session assembled, desires to give exj^ression to the views of its members in regard to the appointment of a Commissioner of Agriculture, when the term of the present incum- bent shall expire. Heretofore most of the appointees to this office have been residents of the eastern section of this country. The Mississippi Valley is the central region of our agricultural wealth, the great 152 Missouri State Horticultural Society. producing section of our country. Upon its success the prosperity of the nation depends. It seems but just that the a]3pomtee to the office of commissioner should be familiar with this great pro- ductive section, one who has borne a fair share of work in its development, who is acquainted with its advantages and familiar with its needs ; who is yet not unmindful of all other sections of our country, and willing and anxious to aid as well in their development. Believing we have a man admirably qualified to fill the ofiice — the honored first president of this Society, Ex- Lieutenant Governor Norman J. Colman, of St. Louis, we present his name in the fullest confidence that if appointed he will reflect credit upon the office and the administration with which he is connected. For a period of more than thirty years he has been one of the leaders of progress in agriculture, horticulture and stock breeding in the great west. He has been honored with the highest offices in most of our agricultural organizations, has been called upon time and again during that period to deliver addresses in most of the states of this great valley and has generally, and generously, responded thereto. He has, moreover, during that entire time, conducted one of the leading agricultural papers of this section of country. If high qualifications for this ofl'ce, if high character, com- bined with great energy and business capacity, always exercised in the right direction, should be the qualifications sought for in the appointee then we may press, his name confidently; therefore, Resolved, That the Missouri State Horticultural Society, in its twenty-seventh annual session, assembled at St. Joseph, Mo., does hereby present to his Excellency, Grover Cleveland, President- elect of the United States, the name of Ex-Lieut. Gov. Norman J. Coleman, of St. Louis, for the office of Commissioner of Agricul- ture. Resolved: That his long experience in connection with agri- culture, practically and theoretically, his ability as a speaker and writer, his practice as legislator and executive officer, and his high character as a man and gentleman j^oint him out as the man of all others, especially in this section of the country ,_ who should receive the appointment. Resolved : That the President of this society is hereby re- quested to transmit these resolutions to his Excellency, Grover Cleveland, President-elect of the United States, and ask a favorable consideration of them at his hands. Aiinual Meeting at St. Joseph. 153 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STONE FRUIT. BY J. M. PRETZINGER, CLINTON, MO. Mr. President, officers and members : As I am one of the committee on stone fruit, I will try and give you the condition of it in my section. The peach trees are in a better condition now than I expected they would be with so much cold last winter, young trees from one to eight years old are in splendid condition, older trees that were topped are in good fix, but of the old trees not topped many are dead, some partly dead, while some of them are in good condition. By appearances now young and old are in good condition to go into winter quarters, and promise a good crop next year, if again something does not befall them as this year. There was not a peach in all this country that grew around about here, or I have not seen any m Missouri. In all my travels I see plenty in Arkansas. More young peach trees planted this year than usual. Apricot and nectarines nearly all winter killed. Cherry and plum trees are in good fix. As to other points regarding this subject of stone fruit it has so often been considered that it is with reluctance that I venture to enlist your attention on stone fruit, as I can but feel there are others in this society that are much more capable to handle this subject than I am. I may not furnish anything new for all of you, 1 may for the unexperienced ones, I will give you my con- clusions which have been reached through my experience and observation. Several points on this subject have been forcibly brought to my mind. Part in time gone by, when I started in to grow peach, plum and sour cherry, in connection with my apple orchard of 4.000 trees, 700 each, 600 plum, sour cherry and pear, &c. ; you will see by this I am interested in fruits. I have had some failures in my experience, yet I have been very successful in getting paying returns for my stone fruit. The peach raising pays well when we get a crop every second or third year. It is hardly necessary here to say how the young trees are budded and grown as they can be bought of all nursery men. One year olds are the best. To plant a peach orchard for market and family use, selection should be made from the earliest to the latest. They should be as much as possible, freestone for market, as they command a much 154 Missouri State Horticultural Society. higher jn-ice than clingstones. To say what you should plant of early, medium and the latest, must be determined from the dif- ferent kinds of peaches in your section, or what kinds do best for your neighbors around you. In this way you can raise without ex- perimenting. If Amsden June, Alexander, Early Kivers or any other variety of the early kinds do well for your neighbor with ordinary care, they certainly will do better with proper care. The above kinds are generally understood tu be very good for this sec- tion. Crawford's Early, and the Fosteis are a little later. There are others a little later than Crawford's, Late, 0. M. Free, tStump the World, Red Cheek, President, Heath free and many others for medium late. Later ones are Heath cling. Smock, Mammoth Heath, Ward's Late and White Imperial. There are many other kinds Just as good, or better than the ones I mention, as I said before you want to plant such kinds as do well in your section, or what do well for your neighbor. As new kinds are offered by nursery men you have as good a chance to try them as any other parties that are in other localities. As to the yellows on peach trees out west here, is, I think a rare thing, as for me I have the first to see yet, but we have got some- thing else ; it is not new, the rot of the peaches on the tree while green and just in ripening. The kinds that rotted for me were the Crawford's Early and Early York. I put up with it as long as I could and dug all of them up, and I think I am rid of it now. I see them grow and do well on other places, perfectly clear of rot, yet I believe they are somewhat subject to this disease. Some kinds of peach do best on low moist soil, while other do well on either high or low land. I noticed the Steadly on high and low land in my orchard. They grow to perfection on the low ground. One tree on low land is worth more for peaches than a dozen on high ground. The Steadly wants the low moist soil to fruit well. This is my experience. There is something as important as raising or growing the crop ; that is to know how to dispose of it at a price to joay you for raising it. So many raise peaches — I might say worlds of them. They don't manage to get cost out of them, then they say peaches are not profitable to raise, and a failure to them. It is because they are not successful in disposing of their crop advantageously. One is successful in raising plenty, wliile other men can't raise enough. Tliis is the diiference m men. It is a question of vital im- portance to educate all growers to dispose of their goods at a profit. Strictly first-class peaches always sell at good prices. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 155 The above sliould be well considered by all growers of this kind of fruit, and all other kinds. Next in order comes THE CHERRY. I will say but little of them as I have never grown any for market — only for my own use. But have tried many kinds and see many kinds in bearing. The kinds that grow and bear the best are the Early Eichmond, May, and Common English Morello, red and black. We always have cherries when these kinds are jjlanted. Some say they are not as good as the so-called finer kinds, yet I like them better than the so-called finer kinds. In my opin- ion some kinds of cherries, so-called good, are worthless for this section. The few I mentioned, without a doubt, are better grow- ers than all others. The Morello's can be seen in nearly every lot, yard, &c., on nearly every farm : grows and does well in nearly all this western country — in fact were it not for this kind, we would be almost without cherries. Scarcely any care is ever bestowed upon them. They sprout from the root, and this is generally dis- liked. I will not say anything of apricots and nectarines, as I have never seen any profit in raising them. The plum I will speak of next and last, of which I have had some little experience of several kinds — foreign and our native plums. Of the whole list I have but little use, in this section, for any except the Wild Goose, Miner, Weaver and Newman, and I might add the common little blue damson. The first two mentioned are the best, in my opinion, for this entire western country. They are less subject to the curculio, while the others are ravished by this insect to such an alarming extent as to cause the almost total destruction and failure of the crop. The finer varieties, so-called, notwithstanding all the remedies advocated and applied with vigilance, are continually being destroyed by the curculio, and it is this kind that are tlio most liable to its attack. The insect, so far, has proven too strong and numerous, except in a few places where eternal vigilance and unusual pains have been taken to guard against them, and they are only partly successful, now-a-days, I have found from my own and other's experience, that the labor and attention required to grow a few of these plums so subject to the pest, are worth more than the results. 156 Missouri State Horticultural Society. I don't say these few kinds that do well for us are entirely free from this pest, yet some say it is curculio proof. It may be in some localities. Our Wild Goose and Miner are of the Chickasaw family. It is proven and demonstrated as a fact, the few kinds I speak of are the only kinds that do well. The fruit shipped to market by the thousands of boxes from this and nearly all this western country, the Wild Goose Plum stands at the head of the list. Some may not say so. I think they do. It originated in Davidson county, Tennessee, and derived its name from the fact that the pit of a plum was found in the crop of a wild goose, and was planted, producing this variety. The tree is a free bearer, very vigorous grower, hardy, very productive and the plums are very beautiful to the sight, color, crimson red, quality, good; while the others I mentioned are good and in some respects better. You all can rest content that we will have no plum famine while these few are not much molested with the curculio. These kind are now planted in nearly every yard and orchard in town and country, while nearly all plum growers in this sec- tion make these few a specialty. I think now at the rate these few kinds have been planted of late years the market must be then overstocked with these kind of plums. It is so in some localities now, producing more than can be disposed of. The question is with me what will be done with the surplus, as it is they are not good dried or evaporated nor preserved, as they are too soft a nature when ripe. If they were like the California varieties that are sold by nearly every fruit dealer in our land, they could be evaporated, preserved and crystalized. They are producing more than the market wants or they can make now more to evaporate and j)re- serve. Even this year a large quantity are evaporated and preserved as the American Manufacturing Company have sold this year many American evaporators out there to evaporate and pre- serve plums, prunes and apricots. Swan In our locality they sold over one hundred No. 3 evaporators, capacity fifty bushels per day each, for this purpose alone. This fruit, when so treated, brings twenty to twenty-five cents per pound, at wholesale, in the eastern market. It is admitted that they have as good plums, prunes, etc., as can be grown anywhere in the United States. If our plums could be treated as the Cal- ifornia plums are, then we would be all right when we get a surplus. The plums that we have are good, but not good enough for all j)urposes. We should use every means to produce better kinds, in Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 157 every way than we have : Free-stones for shipping, evaporating, preserving and other uses. If then we get too much to ship, it can be converted into evaporating stock, that can be shipped to the markets of the world, and realize good prices. Yours respectfully, J. M. PRETZINGER. THE CHERRY FOR PROFIT ; WHAT AND WHERE WOULD YOU PLANT IT ? BY F. HOLSINGEK, KOSEDALE, KAS. The cherry comes to us, as we are informed, from Asia. Tlie Roman general, Lucullus, after a victorious campaign into Pontus, has the honor of its introduction into Italy in 69, B. C. Pliny informs us that one hundred years afterward they had eight varieties in cultivation, and that soon thereafter they were disseminated all over Europe. The Hollanders introduced the cherry into this country by planting the seeds soon after the first settlement of the country. Until recently, but few pomologists of the west appreciated the great value of the cherry. The orchardist has been engaged mostly with the apple, pear, plum and peacli. The cherry, by reason of its easy production, has not been considered a profitable variety. Their quality as a dessert fruit has never .been doubted, but the ease and slovenliness with which they have and can be pro- duced, has been such that they have thought it doubtful if it would pay. In times gone by, the universal custom was with the farmers when a neighbor had a good variety, to get sprouts from some good tree that had proved itself a kind suitable to their taste. This they planted by the wayside, leaving it to take care of itself, generally some spot which was useless for the cultivation of any thing else selected. They grew, seemingly without attention into magnificent trees. They produced the finest fruit — always loaded — and the farmer who sold or tried to sell the fruit was con- sidered the meanest man in the section. Why, I have known parties when allowed to gather the luscious fruit, to saw ofE great limbs, drag them to some conveient shade and then strip the fruit — yes, strip it. The stem was always pulled out and when they 158 Missouri State Horticultural Society. were ready for use they were swimming in their own liquor, in the massive wash-tubs in which they usually had been picked. Usually conveyed in the farm wagon several miles over very rough roads they were of little use for culinary purposes. They were allowed to ferment, and ''Cherry Bounce" was about all that was made from the product. Let any one go back but a few years and they will be surprised to see the change that has been brought with this now popular variety. It is less than twenty-fivB years ago that I saw the cherries upon the table except as in pies. And even now I feel a repugnance when I think of those pies. You gentle- men must remember I am of Dutch extraction. The custom was to make the crust very plain, very little shorting allowed, for the M. D's. of that day said they were very unhealthy if containing lard. The crusts therefore were usually an inch in thickness ; while the cherry was sandwiched between so flat and lonesome that a search warrant was necessary to find one. The juice, what little was in them, had gone into the crusts, and they became so tough that I have no doubt that had any Yankee encountered one of these ancient cherry pies upon which I was fed, would have made the product of "aoutchouc" or rubber tree of South America, a use- less commodity. Mr. President, would you believe me when I say that at this date, 4 a. m., Monday, December 8, 1 have just awaked from a terrible night-mare, the result of my remembering that I was booked for a paper on that cherry. Having retired with the intention of getting up early, to prepare this paper. I had dreamed of those ancient pies ; hence the disturbed condition of my night's repose. And should I not be able to do the cherry justice, it will be, in a measure, owing to the etfect of those ^;ie6-. Until recently, as I was saying, the cherry was much neglected by the orchardists of the west. But a new era has dawned, and •now the cherry ranks as the first dessert fruit (strawberry excejoted). Of those possessing the greatest value in the west are the Keds or Acids. The Blacks and Hearts, while making fine, showy trees, and excellent varieties, arc not, as yet, a success with us ; therefore we must accept the Acids, though not so good a tree, usually be- ing scraggy in appearance, and not so vigorous in growth. In early spring they gladden us with a profusion of white blossoms. They are usually the first to appear and inform us that the icy king has lost his grip, aiid that spring is really here. They are the fit-st dessert fruit that we welcome (excepting the strawberry.) They are the most palatable of the orchard product. And what can be more beautiful than a tree loaded with this An?inal Meetiiiy at St. Josejjh. 159 Incious fruit? The earliness of its ripening, its juiciness, delicacy and richness, says Downing, render it always acceptable. As to its profitableness, there can be but one opinion. Whether cultivated, or allowed to remain uncultivated, in stiff sod, there is usually a crop of fine, luscious cherries. It stands any amount of abuse. I know of one orchard that has produced uniformly the very best fruit, that is in stiff blue grass sod, with no cultivation for eight or ten years. As to their profitableness, during the past ten years, they have paid well. In the Kansas City market, they have been worth from two to four dollars per crate of twenty-four quarts. And, owing to its certainty to produce a crop, makes the cherry well worthy a place in any orchard. WHEKE TO PLAISTT. An elevation with dry soil should always be selected, if such a one can be found. It will thrive in a variety of soil, but gravely sandy soil, Avith loam, seems to be its home. It will, however, prosper in a variety of soils and locations. In Pennsylvania the poor ridges, underlain with slate, and upon which the chestnut thrives, produces the.finest Hearts I have yet seen — trees growing sixty feet in height and very shajDely — pro- ducing abundantly. Experiments prove that the Acids luxuriate in rich soils, and a good top-dressing of stable manure has proved serviceable. I doubt if the Hearts can be grown successfully, our winters being too severe for them. Wet, damp ground is unsuited to the cherry, and it soon drops into decay. Such lands should be drained thoroughly before plant- ing, and I have no doubt but they can be made valuable for cherry-orcharding, when otherwise they would be of no use. Xorth hillsides are valuable, if other conditions are even, as their blooming will be somewhat delayed, and they will be less liable to spring frosts. OF VARIETIES. The most valuable with us are Early Richmond, Leib, English Morello and Osthima Weichel. If for profit these will be found to he the most valuable pos- sessing the qualities of earliness, size, quality, good shippers and carrying you through the whole season. There may be other good sorts that may prove valuable for profit, but as yet I have failed to find them for our location. As to the " Osthima," I would sav a 160 Missouri State Horticultural Society. word as it is yet a new variety. It is the latest of all the cherries with us, always holding its fruit and invariably larger than English Moreilo, being equally productive and in every way as good a cherry. It is the cherry for the west and don't you forget it. The cherry as a shade tree wherever the Sweet or Heart varieties are successfully grown are truly valuable. Mr. London, in his aboretum gives a very pleasant account of cherry avenues in G-er many, and might be followed in America with profit. Mr. London says : On the continent and more especially in Germany and Switzerland is much used as a wayside tree particularly in the northern part of Germany, where the apple and pear Avill not thrive. In many places road passes, for many miles, through an avenue of cherry trees. In Moravia the road from Brunn to Omultz passes such an avenue extending for upwards of sixty miles in length, and in the autumn of 1828 we traveled for several days through such an avenue of cherry trees from Strasburg by a circuitous route to Munich. These avenues are planted by the desire of the respective governments not only for shade trees, but in order that the poor pedestrian may obtain refreshment on his journey. All persons are allowed to partake of the fruit on condition that they do not injure the trees. The main portion of the crop of cherries when ripe is gathered by the respective proprietors of the land upon which it grows, and when these desire to protect the fruit of any particular tree it is as it were tabooed, that is, a wisp of straw is tied in a conspicuous place in its branches. FKANK HOLSINGEE, Rosedale, Kansas. Chairman Murtfeldt asked Mr. Carpenter to take the chair and he gave a history of Dr. Hull's cherry orchard at Alton, Illinois, and the wonderful productiveness of the orchard. Having 23 varieties of sweet cherries and they brought in tlie Chicago market $12.00 per bushel. Z. S. Ragan — The E. Purple Guigne is the very earliest cherry we have and has had them ripe on May 1st. The E. Eich- mond and English Morello are the only ones for profit. G. F. Espenlauh — The Osthima is larger than English Morello and as good bearer and ripens just after the English Morello. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 161 Dr. A. GosUn — Does anyone notice that the Wild Goose plum does not bear unless near some other wild trees. His do not. N. F. Murry — Has found the same trouble and in an orchard of 75 trees, in one corner he has a wild plum and five trees from that he has plenty, but on the rest none. Thinks we need some tree near them to fertilize them. THE PLUM ; DOES IT NOT BEEED MORE CURCULIO THAN THE FRUIT IS WORTH ? BY C. A. FINK, LAMAR, MO. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen of tlte Missouri Horticultural Association : I have been called upon to write and read you a i)uper on the fruiting of the plum. It is with a degree of diffidence that I un- dertake to serve you in this matter, knowing that there are othei' gentlemen present much more able and better qualified to edify your meeting than myself. But I will try to give, in a brief manner, a little of my observa- tion and experience in my efforts to grow plums. The question is asked : "Does not the fruiting or growing of the plum breed more curculio than the fruit is worth ? " My opinion is that it depends altogether upon how we go about it. About sixteen years ago, I moved to and settled in Barton county. Mo., with ti purpose to go into the business of growing fruit. In 1871 I set out about two hundred trees of the best European varieties — twelve or fifteen kinds, that were recommended by the books as the best. ^ also set out about a dozen native plums I bought for Wild Goose. I gave them all good care and cultivation. Three years after planting, the Goose plum commenced to fruit some, but the curculio got them all the first two years. The third year I saved about one-half of the crop by smoking and fighting the bugs. About the same time the European varieties commenced to bloom more or less. I cultivated and waited on them from eight to ten years. By that time they were either dead or dying. I then gave up and threw them in the brush heap. Tire Wild Goose fruited every year more and more as they grew larger and older and the curculio increased more abundantly than 162 Missouri State HorticvJtnral Society. the plum and took nearly all the fruit. By this time I had but two left, having sold some to customers. About the same time, seven years ago last spring, I ^olanted ?o native plums, mostly Wild Goose, set them all on one-fourth of an acre of land, built a hen house in the middle, enclosed the whole with a picket fence to hold pigs and chickens. When they com- menced to bear we turned in the pigs to eat the wormy dropped plums. We keep our chickens in the orchard from early spring until the jilum season is over. The result is the chickens serve to thin out the curculio that comes to the ground, and the pigs by eating all the plums that drop, destroy the larvae for the next crop. In this way we have no further trouble with curculio. In fact they are a benefit and useful in thinning out the set of fruit. Without them I would have to thin the crop by hand picking at considerable expense, as all our native varieties set too many j)lums for the trees to mature well. My little orchard of one-fourth of an acre yielded me a profit last summer of $300.00 besides what we use in our family and gave to friends. And more clear profit than I received from a 200-acre farm that was well cultivated to grain crops. In conclusion I would say that I think pigs and poultry are what the fruit grower needs to keep down the curculio, codling moth, the gouger and root grub. They can not increase to such an alarming extent if the droppings that contain the larva is all eaten as fast as it drops from the trees. Now friends if I am right in my conclusions we should advise planting liberally, fence the orchards, turn in the hogs and poultry and we will succeed in growing fruit cheaper, better and more abundantly besides the profit from the pork, eggs and chickens, that will thrive and fatten under this method. Respectfully, C. H. FINK, Lamar, Mo. Anmial Meeting at St. Jose2)li. 163 THE KEXT PA PEE WAS ON THE PEACH AND ITS ENEMIES. BY J. A. DUKKES, WESTON, MO. The j)each tree is a native of Central Asia ; in Northern India tlie peach and nectarine are found in a wild state. Among the Himalaya mountains they thrive at elevations from five to six thousand feet. The Romans believed) it to be a native of Persia, and the fruit Malum Persicum (apples of Persia) and from this word the name for the fruit has been derived into most European languages. Many botanists classify the peach and almond as one species, claiming the latter to be the parent of the former, becoming im- proved by careful selection from time to time of seeds until it has become the delicious fruit of the present day. In scripture many passages refer to the almond tree, its nut and flowers, but the peach as a fruit seems to have been unknown. The earliest allusions to it, we have on record, are by Con- fucius, who speaks of it thus : "How beautiful and pleasant is the peach tree, how blooming and profuse is its foliage." The Romans introduced the jjeach into Italy during the earlier period of the first century, aijd it is supposed, soon after, into the Isles of Briton, though we have only the first authentic mention of it about the middle of the sixteenth century. Seeds were brought to America by the colonies at an early period. Old 'records mention that stones were ordered by the governor and company of Massachusetts Bay in 1C29. The Spaniards brought seeds with them and disseminated the stones throughout their colonies. A writer speaking of the peach trees in Louisiana and other southern colonies about the year 1750, says : " They grow spontaneously, and in many resj^ects, seem as if they were indigenous. The nuts are sown, no care is bestowed, except weeding for a year or two ; in four years they commence bearing, and continue to produce fruit for twenty or thirty years. These plantations grow with such luxuriance, that the orchards almost resemble forests." 164 Missouri State Horticultural Society. By its ease of propagation and early fruiting, it became the best boon among the fruits to the first emigrant. And we are in- formedj that as soon as the inoneer's cabin was built, a clearing made, among the first few important duties attended too, was the planting of the fruit seeds he had carried with him from his old home. Before the land was denuded of its vast forests, the peach tree bore almost annually, at least a crop every other year could be relied upon. In our recollections of thirty years ago such was the case over large portions of the west, both fruit and trees were more abundant. We seemed to have had a hardier race, indeed, most were seedlings, but these, wherever selected from the better kinds, always proved very fine and good. Elevated grounds, high ridges and slopes inclining north and west, are preferred situations for the peach orchard thougliout all the northern belt. Upon these, a firm growth, an early ripening of wood and bud is obtained, and also the too early blooming in spring is retarded. Eminences near bodies of water, or any lands well drained, bordering on lake or stream are admirable situations for the peach orchard. The experience of all has been, that in such localities, the vapors rising from the water, so modify the atmosphere .; that the buds and bloom are injured less frequently than those more distant from them, while the water gives a coldness in spring re- tarding the too early blooming of the tree. Limestone soils with perfect dj-aiuage are found to be the best. Analysis show the wood to be largely composed of lime and its phosphates ; trees planted where these are lacking, the ground should have an annual dressing of ashes, bone dust, lime or plaster to insure perfect wood and fruit. ♦ The tree should be trained to a low, rounded head, the limbs shortened in annually during the month of September, is the mode pursued by most growers. Many think the pyramidal form the best, as the leader with its lateral branches is not so liable to split and break and the trees and fruit much freer from disease. The peach has a few insect enemies — the curculio, and aj)ple gouger, sting the fruit, causing it to drop and rot on the tree. The thorough destruction of the larvae is the effectual remedy. In experiments made by Prof. Eiley he found, that this insect was most numerous on the trees at night, and thinks this would be the proper time to catch them. ' He recommends the placing of boards, Animal Meeting at St. Josejiti. 165 or j)ieces of bark concave below, where tlie ciirculio will gather to avoid the cold, removing them daily. From these facts, somfe recommend the hanging of open ves- sels containing a liquid, in the branches of the trees, having burn- ing lamps over tubs, or building small fires about the grounds — the insects being attracted by the light, fly into the flames and vessels and perish. The peach borer (geria exilisa) does his work by girdling the bark of the tree, just below the surface of the ground. Its presence can always be discovered by the exuding of the sap or gum at that particular point. The perfect insect is a four-winged moth, of a bluish color — depositing during the summer its eggs at the base of tiie trunk, its larvae enters the bark and wood — the transformation requiring about a year. As soon as their appearance is made they should be cut with a knife, or punctured in their recesses by a sharp instrument, re- moving the soil from about the tree ; in the cavity thus made, a half peck of our slacked lime and ashes should be heaped around the trunk, this removed and worked into the soil in autumn. Other remedies are recommended, but the foregoing, if per- formed annually, will be found perfectly effectual.* Mildew sometimes aj^pears on the ends of young twigs — the nectarine and peach trees with serrated leaves are more subject to its attacks than others. This is not a serious malady ; checks the growth and deforms the appearance of the tree ; this is over- come by cutting away such branches that have been injured; dust- ing with sulphur and syraying with water impregnated with nitre, in a mixture of an ounce of the latter to a gallon of water, are remedies ; the latter while destroying disease, will add new health and vigor to the tree. The curl is developed on tlie first leaves in spring. They become red, brown and seared, swelling into odd shajjes, and in two or three weeks fall. This is caused by the punctures of a small plant louse (the aphis persica), ujjon the under side of the leaves. Applications with a syringe of a mixture of strong soapsuds and tobacco-water has been found a good remedy to exterminate the aphis. Barry regards the curl of the leaf induced by sudden changes of weather. The young leaves caused to expand by warm days, followed by cold and rainy ; the more severe and protracted the cold, the more fatal and severe the curl. 166 Missouri State Hortimdtural Society. We rather incline to this theory as the first cause, followed by the work of the aphis. Last spring, a curl similar to this affected both pear and apple trees, resulting in much indifferent and scabby fruit. The yellows, in the first appearance of this malady, the young twigs on the tree become sickly, growing slender and wiry, the leaves yellowish, pale and small. The fruit ripens, two or four weeks before its proper season. During the first year the peach may attain its full size, then decreasing as the strength of the tree weakens. Varieties that are most vigorous and healthy have' been found more subject to be attacked than those of a slower growth. Prof. Penhallovv regards this disease the result more of a deficiency, or an excess of proper nutriment in the soils, than insects or fungus. Though the latter, after the tree is diseased, help on the destruction. Downing and Elliot hold similar views. The former believes the malady to have first been produced by bad cultivation, and the exhaustion of the soil by overcropping, the continued sowing and planting of seed and trees from stocks so enfeebled. Thus far, in the west, the yellows have not been troublesome to the planter. Mention is made in our journals, of their ap- pearance in some parts of the Michigan peach region, where the soils are light and sandy. Why its appearance exists in some localities more than others we quote from Downing, some facts bearing on the subject : '^For upwards of a century after the peach tree Avas intro- duced it was cultivated everywhere, — the great natural fertility of the soil was unexhausted, lands occupied by orchards were seldom put to any other use, most of the soils of these states ( Md., N. J. Del., and Virg. , ) at first though naturally rich, was light, warm and sandy. Peach trees here always produced to excess — soon impoverishing the soil. In these fields the disease first appeared and gradually spread." Trees that were affected, have been recovered by salt, lime or ashes worked into the soil, and cutting back the trees one-half. Some believe the disease to be contagious. Xursery men should not plant seeds for stocks, from regions so infected — diseased trees should be burned and fresh situations chosen for orchards. These when properly cultivated, manured and trimmed, the original health and longevity of the tree will be established. The commercial value of the peach product is estimated at upwards of sixty million dollars annually. This is on the increase. Annual Meeting at St. JosepJi. 167 The improved canning and preserving macliiner_y, of the present day, has opened a vast market for this otherwise perishable fruit. Thousands of acres in our state, are adapted to peach culture, especially' the hills along the river valley — the Ozark plateau and all the southern parts with a few exceptions. When we consider what the demands for this fruit are at present, with our large growing population, what will they be in the near future? In peach culture then an immense field of useful labor is opened to the horticulturist. Since coming here, 1 have inquired of the members whether they knew of the existence of the yellows in parts of the state where they came from ; and the answer has been in all cases, that they did not know of any case of the disease. J. A. DTJEKES. Tl^e chair wished to take up the subject of curculio. Hull, Earle, Riley and others claim that the curculio attacks both the plum and the peach. Parker Earle used to continue the jarring process until the fruit is ripe. The best way to fight them is by jarring the trees and catching the curculio in a large sheet. Men eminent in this work have all stated that the curculio injure both the plum and peach. Now let us, during the coming year, find out some of these questions. The beetle travels from farm to farm. Holsinger. The gouger is a new insect, and we find that it is the insect that injures the peach, and not the curculio. The cur- culio never touches the peach. Thinks that much if not all of the damage done to the peach and apple, which is usually attributed to the curculio, is done by the gouger. Quite a discussion fol- lowed this statement as being opposed to the books and professors, but it was held by Maj. Holsinger to be true. Adjourned to 7:30. 1G8 Missouri State Horticultural Society. WEDNESDAY EVE. Society called to. order ^^ the chair and the first subject taken up was a paper on THE NEW VARIETY OF PLANTS FOR 1883 AND 1884. BY EGBERT S. BROWN. Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 8th, 1884. In presenting this paper before the Missouri State Horticultural Society, I oti'er a few thoughts and also my experience in growing some of the new varieties of plants of 1883-4 introduction. Streptosolex jamesoni — Which was given such a high repu- tation and was offered as a number one plant for bloom. With me it has been entirely worthless. Either in the greenhouse or out doors it makes a strong growth, but no bloom. I saw a few flowers on some of the plants, but the most of them had no flowers at all. Ch.konstemma hispidia— Though not new, is a free bloomer and it makes a fine plant for baskets and vases. Does well as a border plant. It can be sheared down to four inches, and makes a good border of white flowers. Abutilon tiiompsoni plena — Is a good plant to flower when a year old. Then it is constantly in flower and can be used to an advantage in cut flower work, where yellow flowers are wanted. Being double, the flowers last longer than the single flowering varieties. Freesia refracta alba— Too much cannot be said in favor of this tine winter flowering bulb. It is so easy of growth and such a free bloomer it ought to be in the hands of every amateur and florist in the country. The bulbs are small, and having no ap- pearance of making such fine white sweet-scented flowers, the buyer is ajDt to think he has been done for again by paying twenty or twenty- five cents for each tiny bulb. But he is most agreeably surprised at the fine flowers they produce. Six bulbs should be planted in a 4 four inch pot for the best results. Canna Ehe-MANNI. — Though not entirely new yet I don't think they are plenty. The high price kee2:)ing them from being distributed as much as they deserve to be. They make a good growth and are free bloomers with large scarlet flowers with, no Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 169 tendency to bloom npright like other canna. They droop down gracefully giving the jDlant a charming appearance when viewed from a distance. Plants grew this season from eight to twelve feet high, with immense leaves that did not lacerate with the winds, which is so objectionable in other broad leaved kinds. Begonia. — Brnantii and Gonry are a good addition to our winter flowering begonias when white flowers are wanted. The leaves and flowers are very much like the old semperflorans that any one who has not grown them would be deceived by their aj)pearance. But after growing them awhile they will soon see the difference. They are of dwarf growth. Goury being the strongest grower I tried to see how large I could grow a plant, and shifted it as it needed, until it occupied a six inch pot. Goury grew twenty-tour inches, and Brnantii fifteen inches in height and very bushy, with an abundance of bloom, and pleased all who saw them in flower. Impaitana sultana — Or the ever-blooming balsam has come to stay. It is a plant that never fails to attract the attention of all who see the wonderful amount of bloom that is on even small plants. But when grown in five or six inch pots and given room to grow it gives good returns with its wealth of briglit, showy flowers. It has sliown some tendency to rust, but that can be prevented by keeping the plants out doors in frames, or even bedded, until there is danger from frost, when they will have to be removed to safer quarters, as they are tender and can't stand any cold. Violet, swanley's — Which is a sport from the well- known Marie Louise. So far, it has held true to color, as good a bloomer as the parent and flowers are of same size ; which is saying a good deal for it, as the old variety. Belle de Chatney, was entirely worthless and gave but few flowers. But in this new variety, Swanley's White, we have a plant that will be grown extensively for its pure white flowers, and will figure largely in the cut flower trade. Alternanthea al'ea nana. — At first I thought it was a fraud. It grew well but showed no tendency to turn yellow till about the middle of July. Then it began to show some color, and by the end of the month it was all any one could wish for in forming a yellow border. It is more dwarf and the leaves are much smaller than the old Aura. Parychoides major is another fine kind, well worthy of a place where a red line is wanted. 170 Missouri State Horticultural Society. 4 A. latifolia major and A. latifolia superba, I can't see much diiferauce in ; neither do I consider them any better than the old A. Amabehs, although they were sent out with a flourish of trumj^ets and sold at the modest price of 13. OU per dozen, for plants one inch high with three or four little leaves on. The new Golden Lycopod (krussia aura) is a very good acqui- sition in its line, holding its light 3'ellow color through the hot sum- mer months. Henderson's new verbena, America. — As for as heard from has not ^iven any satisfaction ; yet I grew some very fine plants with blooms about as large as the well known Beauty of Oxford. With me Henderson's set of Verbenas was very poor and not a single plant of merit in the lot. All took the rust out doors this fall, as well as some of my own ; — but native seedlings showed no signs of rust out doors. When put under glass only showed a little here and there, while imported ones had to be all thrown away. Heliotrope roi des noirs. — Is a very dark Heliotrope and a good grower, but it has a fatal fault ; hard to grow on account of its tendency to rust ; it may be easier handled in another year. In a lot of one hundred good healthy cuttings, showing no rust when rooted, fully one-fourth rusted, and before they had to be shifted in two and one-half inch pots only eight were healthy ; balance had to be thrown away. ' New rose, sunset. — Did not get the growth I should have liked on them last summer, but what few did grow pleased me very much in leaf and growth. It shows all the character of its parent, Pearl Des Jardius, but with flowers entirely different color same as Saffrano, but perfectly double. It will I^ think become a popular rose among florists and be grown as extensively as the Pearls. Salvia amebilis. — Is a fine plant for the garden. Flowers are violet and are produced freely. Can be made a fine specimen plant and is very showy. Salvia Luchea is a fine blue dwarf in growth and every way better than S. Patens, which is a fine old plant and will be retained by many no matter how many new kinds claim our favor. In new Carnations, Geraniums and other plants it would take up much time and many pages of paper to enumerate tliem all. Among Thorp's new set of Carnations are some of robust growth and very prolific in bloom, but among the lot not one good white one. While speaking of white Carnations, there was one sent Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 171 out this spring by the name of Wm. Blont. It commenced to flower soon after being set oiit. After being pinched, back same as other sorts did not throw np any leaders, but made a compact bushy plant more like grass pinks than Carnation. After being moved to green house showed no tendency to flower as yet — leaves have rotted badly on account of its bushy growth. The past season has been a very good one for nearly all kinds of flowers and plants in the garden. Gladiolus did unusually well on account of the cool, wet weather. Roses with me did not flower as well as usual out doors. It must have been too wet for them after the hot summer sun. The geraniums were the glory of the garden. In fact they are the flower for the west. Rain or shine, cool or warm you can depend on them for a show of flowers. We bedded, this season, over one hundred and fifty varieties, new in name at least, if not in color, but I must confess we had very mamy fine ones among them in both single and double. It would be hard indeed to make a selection from them, for what pleases one is objectionable to another. The annuals of all classes did well, pai'ticularly the Phlox Drummondi and the China Pinks which made a gorgeous show,, We must not forget to speak a good word for the Perrennial Phlox, it is a plant that is very much overlooked. It is so hardy, of such easy growth and such a vdrief;y of colors, saying nothing of its free blooming qualities. There are other perrennials that are well worthy of culture and in the near future they will come to the front once more. ' R. S. BROWN, Kansas Cit}', Mo, Then followed a paper on ^'HOME ADORNMENT." BY MRS, DR, A. GOSLIN, OF OREGON, Some one has said, he who would have beautiful roses in his garden, must first have roses in his heart. Paradise has always been associated in my mind with a beautiful garden. Had Adam been contented with his donation from the good Father, his Eden, and home-making bowers and rockeries, cultivating his wild roses, marigolds, poppies and hollyhocks, decorating his walls with the shrubs and vines nature had provided him with, his satanic majesty would not have dared enter that attractive home, the 172 Missouri State Horticultural Societ'y. lovely Eve would not have had the disposition to listen to his seductive words, and Adam would not have come to grief. Flori- culture as it is understood by the amateur has become one of the necessary adornments to every home, the simple method of propa- gation by cuttings leaves little excuse for any home to be without •a few flowers. The tired house wife, witii the cares of the different depart- ments of the house resting upon her as nurse — seamstress and queen of the culinary kingdom — is sadly in need of the bracing fresh breezes of spring to aid in building up this weary and over- taxed system. An hour spent in the morning of the early spring months in her garden, equipj)ed with her pruning knife, trowel and spade, she will drink in pounds of oxygen, sufficient for tlie most delicate constitution; while it adds strength to the physical, and value in dollars and ceijts to the grounds ; it is instructive from a bota- nical standpoint, and very attractive to the eye; for a bed of well- kept roses is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. There are few people in this age of the world but admire the beautiful in nature, and lovers of some of the many arts seen decorating the inside of almost every home, from the useful little doyly with the etching stitch, the indispensable table cover and sofa cover in Kensington, tidies of every design, stitch and color. K\\ these things make the little things jjretty and the larger ones more beautiful. Thanks to printer's ink these patterns come to us gratitously tlirough the medium of our Bazars and Magazines. These things may not strike the over-practical mind as of much importance, only as they compare with that which is truly beau- tiful and useful, and will ask the question, "does it pay?" Let us see. The inventive genius of those who liave given much of their time and money for what is called the finer arts, have con- ferred a blessing on the women of this age, who are the leading spirits in this industry; which is surely a new departure from our grandmother's idea of what a woman should be taught. That we should be instructed in all that is proper for a woman to know in any situation in life is well enough so far as it goes ; but this plan exclusively acted upon would doubtless produce very good com- mon place domestic drudges, that when our race would be run, we would be like the tired woman when she came to die, wished the resurection to be ten thousand years off, that she might have her rest. But there higher attainments equally useful for an immortal soul. The New York society of decorative art, which gives instruc- Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 173 tion in needle work, is comparatively yonng ; its object and aim is to reach a certain class of women, and teach them to nse their deft fingers and tnrn them to profitable account — a class that could not be reached in any other way. These are the refined poor, taught from infancy that labor belonged to the poor and ignorant ; they find themselves, when thrown upon their own resources, illy prepared for the great battle of life. We are told that this society alone paid out to its pupils for work skilfully done, last year, over 118,000. Then we have the Cooper Union art school, largely endowed by the late Peter Cooper, who is known on both continents for his liberality as a public benefactor. They give to their pupils the tuition free, in the different branches taught. It is a sort of bureau from which teachers and designers can be procured. Most of ouj- American carpets and wall paper and buttons are designed by joupils from this school. Is it any wonder that our homes are more attract- ive than those of our grandmothers' ? With our walls hung with such beautiful combinations in our paper, our floors covered with carpets whose colors and shadings are so exquisite that they become a study, and one could almost believe them to be tiie work of the needle. Yet these were planned and designed by pupils from the art schools — which makes the manufacturer and designer depend upon each other for success. It is with the blending of these arts with some of the manufacturing interests of our country, that some of -our brave women are so closely identified. We all remember the struggle for years of the American silk weavers to compete with foreign importation and get a footing for their goods at home. It was not until Mrs. Wheeler, one of the leading spirits of the associated artists' club of New York, came to their relief did they succeed. It was through her suggesting and designing silk and woolen fabrics for the use of this club, that places that manufacturing interest where it stands to-day, equal to any and second to none. The utilizing of the wasted silk from the more costly goods, and woven into cloth known as raw silk was the invention of her brain. These designers have not confined ftiemselves to the costly silks ; the pretty cretonnes, chintzes and lawns have received much attention. Our Bazars have told us in our remote villages, what uses the designers intended for the pretty cretonnes seen everywhere. They have found artistic use for the heavy old-fashioned Kentucky jeans as heavy drapery for certain places ; this goods is well known to most of our western farmers. Was there ever a time in the 174 Missouri State Horticultural Society. history of our country that our homes could be adorned and beautified at so small a cost as the present time, when men and women are vying with each other, giving their time and money to forward the progress of arts, and by so doing refining the tastes, thereby making the world better by their having lived in it. Too much cannot be said of Benjaman Pitman, Maria Longworth, Nichols and Louisa McLaughlin, who through their efforts have opened the way for men and women who have assisted in making the Cincinnati school of decorative pottery a national institution. Since it has been discovered that the ingredients for this art are found in many parts of our country, the outlook for it to come within the reach of the less favored, is flattering. Wyoming, Ohio, Alabama and Illinois are said to furnish some of the different "... ' tinted clay suited for this work, which has been developed fully for the coarse wares so far. The time is not far distant when we .will be enthusiastic over the moulding of our jugs. Jars and vases, our china closets filled with the work of our own hands, burned in our own kilns. When America can produce that quality of lithomarge, then she will call home her own Havalin to teach her. sons and daughters the art of making the most beautiful china the world has ever known, we will surely be a fortunate people. Painting has been elbowing its way to the front. Our young ladies and many of those who are jDast their youth are developing wonderful genius and enthusiasm over their efforts in this branch, as ever the old masters did over their grandest work. The result of this art can be seen decorating the walls of many of our homes, and valued more than if the brush of Eubin's had executed the work, because it is the developed genius of our children and our neighbors children. Almost every village boasts of its painting class and ex- perience has taught us the work accomplished, will bear close and severe criticism. We expect most of our girls to become housekeepers and homemakers ; should the husband be able to furnish the four walls of the home, well and good, if not, she, witli a knowledge of what is called the finer arts could furnish both home and decoration. The question comes to us again, does it pay? Is it not our duty as a progressive people to encourage these arts, not only for their beauty and attractiveness, but for their commercial value, for a tax paying class of citizens without representation. Then with the advantages we have, well improved, and the prosi^ect of a brighter future, our homes will grow more and more in beauty as the years go by. We can sit under our vine and fig tree feeling Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 175 that we have done our part in making our homes what they are. " Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own work praise her in the gates."' By motion of the secretary, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin, for her most interesting and instructive paper. THE LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN. BY MRS. WADE BURDEN^; SPRINGFIELD, ilO. A well kept lawn is "a thing of beauty and joy forever ;" though winter may conceal it with his kindly mantle, yet spring- will again reveal its beauties. And it is within the reach of all in this favored clime, where nature provides such bountiful supply of sod, and where vegetation is so rapid that we have only to stir the soil, scatter the seed and soon the tender blade will appear. Even where the grass must be planted singly by the root, as in some parts of Texas, it spreads so quickly the ground is soon ct)vered, and the once barren spot made beautiful and attractive. Downing recommends a thorough breaking up of the soil to the depth of two feet, for large or small lawn surfaces, but with the help of those modern aids to lawn culture, the hose and lawn-mower, we may have a lawn with any ordinary soil. Common red clay, with a top- dressing of coarse manure jjrepared in the fall, and well worked in the spring makes a good bed. Have your ground in good shape, perfectly smooth and free from stones, then sow your seed with a lavish hand or lay your sod, and a few bright days will bring the desired result. After your lawn is firmly established, keep it in order by frequent mowing ; if the use of lawn mowers by ladies could be made as jDopular as croquet or lawn tennis this would follow ; or. if premiums were offered for the finest lawn, would it not stimulate ambition and be attended with good results ? The most humble home may be made doubly attractive by a lawn of emerald green borders, and beds of ever-blooming flowers ; vines creeping lovingly over the walls add beauty to the scene, and all this may be had in a single summer. We do not have to wait for years to see the result of our labors, but by judicious planting have continued bloom and verdure. A good place for the flower garden is between the lawn and 176 Missouri State Horticultural Society. vegetable garden, the walks may be continued through the latter and bordered by shrubs or flowers. The beds should be nearly level, slightly lower in the center that the sides may not be washed away as many varieties produce volunteer seedlings. An old verbena bed if left undisturbed in t-he spring until the plants have time to appear, will furnish an abundance, often new and distinct varieties. Greranium seed, after lying in the ground all winter, will germinate in the spring. Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette, Candy Tufl, Feverfew Pansies and many other sorts produce volunteer plants. The great difficulty with beginners is to know what to plant. They frequently attemj^t too much. A bed of choice plants with careful culture will give more satisfaction than a garden full of neglected ones. Nearly all the annuals grow readily from seed, while geranium cuttings may be set in the open border and they will hardly stop blooming, but continue to grow, until like Mr. Phinney's turnip they can't grow any longer and they may be dis- posed of in the same way, put in the cellar; if tliey are hung up by the roots they will grow again by planting very early in the sprmg. Heliotropes and many other plants and shrubs grow from cuttings. Many persons seem to think that only a favored few can be successful in raising flowers. Tliey approach you with a never- nursed-a-wild-gazelle expression of countenance, and beg to know what yon do to your flowers to make them groAV, while everything they put in the ground is sure to die. Perhaps they do too much; a judicious letting alone is beneficial, sometimes. Lilies are easy to cultivate and are suitable for lawn or garden. Some varieties are very beautiful. Lilium Caudidum or common garden lily is greatly prized both for beauty and fragrance. Its pure white flowers are very effective in floral designs. Of course we must have roses ; a bed of the everblooming, with their lovely tints and subtle odors ; a hedge of Hybrid perpetual ; with their gay coloring or siiigle specimens dotting the lawn ; these are all very beautiful, but we must not forget the beautiful June roses, but have them for the sake of " Auld Lang Syne." They are among the sweetest recollections of our childhood. The sweet brier under the window sill, Which the early birds made glad, And the damask rose by the garden fence Were all the flowers we had. I've looked on many flowers since then ; Exotics rich and rare, Annual Meeting at St. Joseph, 177 Tliat in other eyes were lovelier. But not in mine so fair. But those roses bright , oh those roses bright, I have twined them vvitli my sister's locks, That are hid in dust from sight. xMETHOD IN THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTING OF SMALL PLAGES. BY K. E. BAILEY, FULTON, MO. Let US first look at a few real places that may be^seen in this vicinity. Perhaps we will see more to condemn than to approve, but we will at least see that almost every man makes some essay at ornamental planting ; and a knowledge of the mistakes of others fnay keep us from similar mistakes. Professor A, a teacher in a western college, has a small yard in town, eight or ten feet wide and thirty or forty feet long, in which he planted, some fifteen years ago, four soft maples. His soil was very fertile and the result may be imagined. The trees now tower far above his two- story dwelling, sliutting out the air and sunshine. His wife and one of his children have since died of consumption. Who knows but that the exclusion of the health-giving sunlight may have been one factor in^this sad result. Mr. B. has a front yard of about thirty by forty feet, in which he has planted a dozen or more of these same soft maples, besides an elm or two and a few evergreens. For the first few years the effect was not bad, but now as the trees have grown large they begin to crowd the place, and in a few more years his jAace will be as badly shut in as Prof. A.'s If these two men had planted evergeens instead of deciduous trees the result would have been worse yet. The evergreens would have excluded the sunlight in winter when its admission is most desirable. From these and many similar cases to be found in every part of the country we may draw this caution : do not plant a small place with an over-abandance of large growing kinds of trees. Look forward to the future effect, and limit the size and number of trees to accord with the size of the place planted. Too thick planting could be partially remedied by cutting out some of the surplus trees ; but I iiave found few men with nerve enough to destroy a 178 Missouri State Horticultural Society. tree for which they had cared until it became large and spreading. When such a course is suggested they seem almost as much shocked as if you had said : " Your family of children is more numerous than you can properly feed, clothe and educate ; kill off a few of the least promising ones. In a few years those left will by their increased thrift more than fill the places of those you put out of the way," Mr, C has a place very different from those already mentioned. It is generally admired. It covers about three fourths of an acre in a nearly square form, with a large two-story white house in the center of the rear boundary, A large, straight, gravel walk bisects the place from front to rear, lined on either side by a row of our native red cedars. On each side of the lot, to the right and left, are long lines of well-formed cedar hedges some three feet high by one foot wide on top, and eighteen inches at the bottom. A small plot in front of the house is divided from the remain- der by a low lattice fence of common lath. In this plot the good wife has her flower-beds. The larger j)lace has a fine blue grass sod, over which are scattered a few specimens of Scotch, Austrian and White pines. The only deciduous trees are a fine beheaded black locust. The most conspicuous feature of the place is a num- ber of red cedars sheared into fantastic forms, columns, pyramids, globes, cubes, houses surmounted by roosters, peacocks and other such forms. Such evidences of care and skill attract attention, and even admiration from many persons, but are in doubtful taste, to say the least. As the cedars in front grew large and hid the view from the front windows, their lower branches were cut away, till now they have naked trunks fifteen o]»- twenty feet high. Such trees are pronounced ugly by almost every writer on landscape gardening. The same amount of labor would have produced a better result by a greater admixture of deciduous trees, say a speci- men or two of elm, Wier's cut-leaved maple and the catalpa. Mr. D. marked off his place a few years since by serpentine walks, alongside of which he planted small Scotch and Austrian pines, and American arbor vitae. It looked well enough at first, but now the trees are hiding the walks, and if not removed they will soon hide the house. Hence I would like to ask my horti- cultural brethren of longer and wider experience than myself, if any of them have found a small evergreen, hardy enough to stand our torrid summers, frigid winters and protracted droughts? The Irish Juniper and the dwarf arbor vitae stand but few years at best. Amiual Meeting at St. Joseph. 179 Another illustration of how not to do it, is furnished by a thrifty German, of Fulton, who, in the lack of abetter place, spaded ^x\) his front yard and planted peas, cabbage, onions and other such ornamental plants. He, like our friend of the sculp- tured cedars, succeeded m drawing the public gaze. Perhaps it was the best he could do. Better use your front yard to grow fruits and vegetables than do without them, or go in debt to buy them. Indeed the Crabs, the Wild Goose plum, and even the Red June or the Ben. Davis apple are as ornamental as many trees that bear no fruit. Even our German friend was not wholly given up to utilitarianism. He had a few flowers along his walks. It would be worse than useless to try to give specific directions for ornamental planting. Each must plant according to the special conditions of ground, his climate, his means and his taste. Of course this is not written for those who can consult an expert land- scape gardener. Young planters sometimes, in their enthusiasm to decorate their grounds, attempt too much. They divide their plot into many shaped beds and thus destroy the breadth of effect given by a simpler plan. Secure a fine grassy lawn as the basis or foundation for all future advancement. A few fine trees, shrubs and beds of flowers set in such a lawn will make any place beautiful. OENAMENTAL. BY Z. S. RAGAIST, OF INDEPEXBENCE, MO. It having fallen to my lot to be placed on the committee of Ornamentals, and inasmuch as Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin has led off with a very spicy and beautiful essay on Home Adornments, followed by the Hon. C. AV. Murtfeldt with a valuable production on Orna- mental Tree Planting, it will devolve upon me to touch upon some of the aesthetic. Still, horticulturally speaking, this subject is one not confined to narrow limits, but volumes may be said and written without exhausting the merits of the subject. If I may be indulged I will touch upon landscape gardening in rather an extended way, by calling attention to ornamentation of public grounds, parks, boulevards and highways. A taste for 180 Missouri State Horticultural Society. rural improvements and beautifying our land is attracting increased attention and must claim a due share of encouragement from our horticultural societies. The labors of such societies should not be confined to the cultivation of the finer fruits, flowers and trees. and adornment of city and country homes, but the ornamenting should extend to public institutions and wide-spread neighbor- hoods, including state and court houses, colleges and public school grounds, boulevards and public highways, parks, landscape gar- dening, cemeteries, &c. Our most valuable American work on Landscape Gardening has been produced by the much lamented A, J. Downing, Esq.. who thirty-five years ago furnished us the fourth edition, and since his death we are indebted to Henry Winthrop Sargent, Esq., for the ninth edition of that invaluable work. Thus the fine art in horticulture is being advanced Avith the refinements of the age in which we live. To Mr. Downing belongs the honor of laying out the Smith- sonian and public grounds at "Washington City. " The Central Park. Xew York City, being the most impor- tant of the kind that has been undertaken in America," had its origin through the advocacy of the ''horticulturist" urging its necessity and setting forth its advantages. Since itsestablishment. it has grown in favor and importance commensurate with the growth and is the pride of the city and nation. Many of our other cities have finely ornamented public and private grounds that will vie with the example mentioned, but we must be excused from attempting any description. It is all important in any undertaking to commence aright. The planning and laying out parks, pleasure grounds, cemeteries, etc., should be the work of a scientific, practical landscape gardener, not merely the work of a civil engineer, but must combine sylvan, graceful, or picturesque abstract of natural beauty. The grounds of our state and court houses as well as colleges and jDublic schools should be artistically laid out and set with suitable shade trees, shrubs and flowers. This will have much to do in the education of our people by the way of example. Public or common schools are receiving attention in this way in some of the states and others should emulate their example. Through the influence of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, many of the grounds around the common schools have been ornamented with appropriate shade trees, and the teachers co-operating and ( with the aid of scholars,) have contributed much Annual Meetitig at St. Jot-epli. 181 to the attractiveness by the addition of well arranged programmes of flower beds carefully cared for and cultivated, thereby incul- cating in the pupils a taste for rural ornamentation. The secretary's report contains many flattering reports of the success in this direction made by the teachers. Our boulevards and public roads should not be overlooked. A row of our best native shade trees planted and cared for along each side, would not only add much to the beauty of the country, but in time afl:ord a refreshing shade during the heated season of the year. About forty years ago the city council of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed an ordinance requiring the owners to plant and grow shade trees on the streets in front of their lots. Since that time it has grown to be a large and beautiful city, and as one result of that ordinance has attained uniformity in well shaded streets seldom met with. I chanced to stop in that city a short time since, and through the politeness of a friend had a pleasant drive through some of the principal streets and was informed that on one of these streets there was a continuous drive of fourteen miles in length all arched over by shade trees. Other instances might be enumerated where Judicious arrangement or symmetry has lent a charm and given notoriety to the locality. For example, a certain street in Berlin has been shaded exclusively by Lynn trees. The fact has been significant in suggesting the popular name, " The Linden," or as described by travelers " Unter den Linden.'^ Here let me say, that our native Linden together with the Elm, Ash and Sugar or Rock Maple comprise some of our most desirable shade trees for streets and public highways. They need little or no trimming, are thrifty and hardy, not liable to split or easily blown down by storm. For examples of the more refined scenic art, we no longer look to European countries where the embellishments are confined to the nobility. Scientific men of America have improved upon their examples and are furnishing living examples, unsur- passed in the picturesque and sylvan beauty, and calculated to excite the wonder and admiration of the world. The older states of course have availed themselves of all the scenic advance of the art. As yet, in this state, we have to regret (with few exceptions) that with the many costly edifices both in country and city, which has called into requisition the talent of the most skilled architects, that the towns and surrounding grounds have failed to be made to correspond. Every town and city of any claim to importance 182 Missouri State Horticultural Society. should have its drives or boulevards in connection with public parks, landscape gardens, cemeteries, &c. It will be remembered that in my annual address to this society in 1881 at Columbia, we suggested artistic ornamentation of the campus around the University as a suitable place for an example of this art. Since writing the foregoing, our secretary handed me a book on the subject of landscape gardening which I consider of great importance in more ways than one. It exemplifies and treats in a scholarly and scientific way of the subject hinted at in this paper. It supplies the place of a long needed work on this subject. It should be in every family and school. Mr. Downing's work on landscape gardening, costing six dollars and fifty cents, is too costly for the million ; but this work of one hundred and forty pages comes within the reach of all. It contains much in small space. This work is by that eminent scholar and practical landscape gardener. Prof. M. G. Kern, a cotemporary and co-worker with several of the most gifted men of the age in this art, in connection with " The creation of the principal ornamental grounds of our country." His field of operation has been in the west, and the leading public parks in the metropolis of our state owe their artistic development mainly to his intelligent labors. We are pleased to learn that Mr. Kern has undertaken to lay off and ornament the grounds of the State University and know from what we have seen of his skill in the art that when finished it will be an example of which every citizen in the state may be proud. The vast improve- ments and increased wealth, with the growing interest in horticulture throughout the state, must call into requisition the best talent to suggest practical methods of improving and beauti- fying our homes. The reason the outward adorning falls behind the architectural, is that the architect is employed to build the house, but we seldom think it necessary to employ, or even consult the landscape gardener. Animal Meeting at St. Joseph. 183 OENAMENTALS FOR PLANTING. BY CHAKLES W. MURTFELDT, OF KIEKSVILLE, MO, "Make the home beautiful, bring to it flowers ; Plant them around you to bud and to bloom ; Let them give light to your loneliest hours — Let them bring light to enliven your gloom ; If you can do so, O, make it an Eden, Of beauty and gladness almost divine ; ' Twill teach you to long for that home you are needing The earth robed in beauty beyond this dark clime." The love of the beautiful has been implanted by a beneficent Creator, in every human breast. It finds expression in the admir- ation of all that is lovely and charming in natui-e and art, and it prompts men, and especially ladies, to the adorning of their per- sons and their natural surroundings. The aboriginal of America and the savage of Africa, form no exception to the general rule ; but the higher the civilization, the more refined and cultivated the taste, the greater is the longing, not only to adorn the person and surroundings, but to gratify the desire of beholding all that is grand, beautiful, picturesque and delightful in nature and art. The wisest and best of men have written about the love of the beautiful ; poets have immortalized its praises in verse ; the lecture platform has depicted it in encomiums and language both chaste and eloquent, to enraptured multitudes ! The love of the beautiful has caused men to travel thousands of miles, to endure privation, fatigue and hardship, yea, even to risk health and life itself, that their longings to gaze from some lofty mountain peak, if but for an hour or two, upon the exquisite beauty of a panorama spread out at their feet, upon a real picture painted in indescribable colors by God Himself, may be gratified. Thousands upon thousands have braved the storms and dis- comforts of the broad Atlantic ; the trials and terrors of aEuroj)ean feather-bed, and the mysteries of the French kitchen, in order to behold the never-to-be-forgotten colors of the waters of the Rhine, its terraced and vineclad hills, the magnificent ruins of ancient feudal castles, and the modern, surpassing and impregnable fortress of Ehrenbreitenstein. Thev will climb the dangerful heights of Mont Blanc or of the Matterhornto revel in the grandeur of a sun-rise among the glaciers of the Alps. 184 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Or, perha2)s they will take the direction of the north jDole to behold the rainbow tints and j^yrotechnics of a northern aurora iorealis, or to stand upon some promontory on the longest day in the year and wonder that there could be anywhere on God's foot- stool, a day without a night, a day on which the sun did not set ? And in our own beloved land : The waters, the palisades, and the highlands of the charming and fascinating Hudson ; the pic- turesque bluffs of the upj^er Mississippi, the canons of Colorado and Montana, the weird caves, cascades and canons of the Yose- mite have held other thousands spell bound, while millions annually visit the Falls of Niagara and uevery weary of gazing upon its grand, ever-changing and awe-inspiring panorama. It was asserted just now that a high civilization will show love for the beautiful, not only in the adorning of a person and in beholding and admiring the wonders of nature, but will work itself out in beautifying to every possible extent the home and its sur- roundings. The nomad, the wild hunter and fisherman, with few exceptions, are all lovers of natural beauty, but few of these ever make a true home in a civilized community? In cities we cannot look for much of natural beauty, there everything trlMy beautiful, the architectural beauty of the palaces of the wealthy, like that of the churches and cathedrals with their frescoed pictures and paint- ings, their heavenward pointing sjoires and steeples, also the public resorts and parks, are all the result of art and design ; even the cities of the dead are made beautiful, attractive by the landscape gardener's art and cunning. And it is well that even much money is thus expended for the benefit of the general public, for the cul- tivation of taste and refinement, and with it the morals of the people ; because all have free access to the parks, the churches and the cemeteries, to the latter if not while living, then when dead ! Our houses of worship are made more attractive by the presence of floral beauties and living plants which surround the sacred desk. And why not? Was it not in a garden, even Eden, that man first worshiped, when he first beheld the works of creation, which, when their Maker saw he called good ? Is there not a responsive chord in the breast of every true man and woman drawing us to look from nature up to nature's God ? Is there not superhuman design and an incomparable beauty in all nature while yet untouched or unimproved (?) by human hands or skill? The lilies of the field and the cedars of Lebanon were planted by our Creator for a good and wise purpose, even to show unto us the goodness of tlie Lord? Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 185 Perhaps some of the friends present (I hope none or not many) may not rehsh moralizing ; they desire only practical thoughts from the essayist to whom has been assigned the subject of ornamental planting. Ornamental planting is practical poetry, and what has been said is a ver}'^ natural avenue thereto. The most of the citizens of Missouri have passed the first and second stages of new settlements, in which it is claimed, though not always truthfully, that first efforts should be directed to ob- taining from the soil the substantials for subsistence. This is correct only in part. In looking for a site for the new dwelling on the new eighty or quarter section, the owner very naturally takes into consideration the physical condition or lay of the land, the presence or absence of timber or water from spring or running brook or stream, the elevation or undulation of the soil, and aims to make these natural conditions subservient to the ultimate beauty of the completed and perfected home. No man of common sense would ever try to make a home in a swamp ; there no home, could be beautiful, and malarial diseases would be his portion forever. If the choice lies between a swamp and plenty of convenient water and a high and dry knoll or plateau, where water would have to be supplied by artificial and costly means, he will not hesitate to choose the latter. Suppose the place selected for a home should be a portion of a high and rolling prairie, void of all timber ; what's to be done ? Anywhere in Missouri or Kansas, the first acre of soil broken by the plow can be made to produce with the useful also the orna- mental. It could be planted to potatoes and other vegetables in such a manner that peach pits should be sown in every third or fourth row to the extent of a bushel or more, and beyond these, to the extent of half an acre at least, soft or silver-leaved maple should be planted. In most instances this might be done and not interfere much with the cultivation of vegetables on the same ground. These young maj^les and peach trees, for a purpose here shall be designated as nurse-trees. They are fast growers and will soon protect the evergreens and deciduous trees which are to be planted for permanency, while but few of the seedling peaches and maples are to be thus retained. Having established permanent roadways to the dwelling and out-houses, I would plant on the now cultivated soil, evergreens in large numbers, especially the Scotch and Austrian pines ; the white pine also does well in most localities, while the spruces can be made most dense, the silvery sheen of most varieties forming a pleasing contrast with the dark green 186 Missouri State Horticultural Society. foliage of the pines. Tiie hemlock is a most graceful tree, and with me does well. The European larch, although strictly speak- ing, not an evergreen, should find a place m every collection of ornamentals ; its upright and conical form is most pleasing and in striking contrast with most other trees, and so also is the foliage. Arbor Vitas should be found in every collection, and the Irish and trailing junipers add both beauty and variety to any lawn or bit of grass near the dwelling. All of these may be obtained at less price from well established nurseries than they can be grown. The most of these may be planted amongst the yonng peach and maple trees, with a view to remove them in the course of three or four years. They make the most ornamental as well as most effective wind break, and should be so planted as to protect the dwelling. Their greatest beauty is made most conspicuous when planted in groups or clumps. In all ornamental planting — strictly speaking — there should be a well defined design or plan, more or less elaborate, according to means and advantages of the owner ; without this for a starting point, most precious and irrecoverable time will be squandered, and also some money. I shall not in this paper make any attempt to give instruction in landscape gardening, for the very good reason of want of ability. I am conscious that the best I am able to do will be fragmentary. If I can say a word, however, which will in any way improve the home of even the humblest free-hold of a few acres, I shall be well repaid for this effort. We all understand that next to pro- tection in winter, shade is desirable in the hot summer months ; and in ornamental planting we should bear this in mind. For a new home we need the most rapid growing trees — already brought to view — with a view to their removal after more desirable varieties have become well established, and to these latter we must from the start give also the best locations with a view to permanency. But while shade is. desirable and grateful, sunshine in and around a dwelling is an absolute necessity if the dwellers within would enjoy good and permanent health. Little by little, as the want becomes apparent, we can add to our ornamentals ; m some instances a shrub or vine w^ould add grace and beauty, while in others only a tall and wide branching- tree would fill the space satisfactorily. Some of these can be selected from indigenous varieties — nursery grown always prefer- able— such as the elms in variety, and the ash and hard maple, the catalpa, tulip and coffee tree, the European linden and Scotch Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 187 maple. All of these have beautiful foliage in spring and summer, while others are in the greatest glory in autumn. The most beau- tiful tree I ever set eyes on is the weeping cut-leaved birch, which stands near the office in the grounds of Ellwanger & Barry, Ro- chester, N. Y. There are other varieties of birch whose pale green foliage and silver white trunks are really ornamental, especially when brought into contrast with the dark foliage of the evergreens or hard maples. But in our selections and plantings we must have reference to the natural habits of the trees. Some are very up- right, the branches hugging the trunk, an example of' which may be found in the Lombardy poplar — not desirable by the way except for a landmark and near or on the highway — others like the maples and evergreens naturally assume the conical form, wtiile still others are spready, with more or less drooping branches, like the elms, the larch and the hemlock ; these last should be allowed a good deal of space. Yet, notwithstanding these natural tendencies, most trees can be trained at pleasure in their general outline, but it needs good judgment and persistence to do so effectively. The subject of planting ornamentals cannot be dismissed without some reference to blooming shrubs and flowers, because their varied forms and colors are full of charm and beauty. Among the shrubs I will mention first, because of its earliness, the pyrus japonica — by some called the burning bush — deutzia, crenata and deutzia gracilis ; the althea, the snow ball, the lilac, both the Persian and European, the blue, the purple, and the white, the white fringe, etc., though the flowers of but few of these are desir- able for bouquets. The Japan quinces and annual roses will also make a nice bit of hedge to hide some iiidispensable but otherwise ill looking feature, of farm or village lot. The trumpet creeper, the passion vine and the Virginia creeper are desirable for like purposes. Speaking of roses, there are two climbing varieties well adapted to be trained so as to intertwine ; namely, the Queen of the Prairie and the Baltimore Belle. The last named grows its bloom in thick clusters, is a great bearer, and is fragrant, while the bloom of the Queen has no odor. An eastern exposure suits them best, because a full southern exposure with the resulting reflection from a building, is too hot, and will make the bloom too transient. And who among all the sons of men does not admire and love flowers ? 188 Missou7'i State Horticultural Society. " Flowers are the sylvan syllables In colors like the bow ; And wise is he who wisely spells The blossomed words, where beauty dwells In purple, gold and snow." Such an one is to be pitied^ for, like the man that has no music in his soul, he too is fit for treason, stratagemi and spoils. There is no place so humble or so small but its beauty can be enhanced by flowers. And flowers can be had for a song, or cheaper. A few dimes invested in annuals will make a garden bright for all the season. Verbenas in variety, flox drummundi, zenias, fever few, bachelor's buttons, ladies' slippers, nasturtions, etc., should be found in every such collection, and will repay in beauty an hundredfold their cost. But for any wishing to plant more elaborately, the following are named as giving a desirable succession of bloom : A bed of bulbs embracing crocus, snow-di'ops, narcissus, tulips, lily of the valley and hyacinths. With these may be planted, on the borders of the bed, grass pinks and ladies' slippers, aiid in the center, verbenas of various colors. For roses in variety, especially perpetuals and hybrids, a separate and exclusive bed should be prepared. The soil must be made very rich, because most roses have but poor and few roots, and feed must be abundant ; powdered charcoal, ashes and liquid manure, should be supj)lied throughout the season. The foundation of a good soil for flowers are pure humus or decayed vegetation, sand and cow manure. I know of no flowers that will not thrive in such a soil. Knowing that a paper will T3e offered on the planting of orna- mentals on small places, I will not go further in the detail of the how and wherefore of ornamental planting, and will conclude this fragmentary effort by another verse of George W. Bungay : " Oh, sacred is the use of these Sweet gifts to mortals given ; Their colors charm, their beauties please. And every better sense they seize. And bear our thoughts to Heaven." Z. S. Ragan : — Likes the trailing jumper. This subject should be taken up by our state society in a more especial way. Our public grounds should be ornamented in no very elaborate way, but in a good substantial way. Central Park was started by our horti- culturists, and in the west we should begin this work, for we are to Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 189 growing very fast as a city. All cities should have a good well hiid out park. In Illiuois we find the state society has induced the schools to plant their yards with ornamental trees. Roads should also be well shaded and we should induce every one to plant the road sides with shade trees. C. W. Miirtfeldt : — Of the three most prominent men in landscape gardening, M. G-. Kern, of Columbia, is one of the best in the country, A letter was read from J. S. Eollins concerning Mr. Kern and his book on " Rural Taste,'" and a nnmber of copies of the book sent for distribution. Columbia, Booxe County, Mo., Dec. 8, 1884. Messrs. A. W. St. John, Vice-President, and L. A. Goodman, Secretary, Missouri State Horticultural Society. Gentlemen : — I send you this day, by express, twenty-five copies of an admirable pamphlet written by Mr. M. G. Kern on •' Rural Taste in Western Town and Country Districts." Mr. Kern, on account of his engagements here, will not be able to be present at your meeting, which he regrets, and his most excellent book must answer in his stead. You will please see that the copies sent are distributed among the leading members of the society and with a request, after they have examined it carefully, that each one of them will address to me a letter expressing freely their opinions of the merits of the work. It has been very highly commended by gentlemen of taste, and culture in such matters, and among these by Mr. Thos. Mehan. Ed. Gardner's Monthly and Robert Douglass, of the Waukegan Nurseries, Waukegan, Illinois. Hoping that you may have a pleasant and profitable meeting, and knowing that there is no subject connected with progressive horticulture deserving of more encouragement than the beautifying of our homes, cemeteries, and our public school grounds, I hope the subject will be thoroughly discussed by the society at its present meeting, and in their published proceedings a free expression will be given as to the real merits of the subject. I am very respect- fully Your Obedient Servant, JAMES S. ROLLINS, Pres. Board of Curators of University of the State of Mo. A letter was also read from the President, S. M. Tracy, on the work at New Orleans. 190 Missouri State Horticultural Society: Xew Orleaxs, La., Dec. oth, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Secretary Mo. State Horticultural Society. Deae Sir : — Your call for matter suitable to the meeting of our State Society, and to my own official relation with the society, recalls me to a sense of my duties in my own state — duties which I had almost lost sight of in the whirl and rush of the big Exposi- tion. I can only crave the indulgence of the officers and members of our organization, asking you to be equally kind with the Uni- versity Board in granting me ''leave of absence." The work here has so grown upon our hands that what seemed a considerable undertaking last spring has now assumed colossal^ proportions, and working early and late accomplishes only enough to heighten by contrast the importance of the things that remain undone. As soon as the carpenters leave a building the grounds about it are in our hands ; but the carpenters linger like snow in the val- leys, and we grow as impatient of their delays as we do of the slow coming spring-time of the north. It is difficult to fancy your sitting in solemn conclave with win- ter at your doors, when here the air is soft and balmy, the roses are crowded with bloom, the orange trees with their brilliant green leaves and bright yellow fruit, making beautiful pictures on every hand. We have had so far little rain ; not enough to retard appreci- ably the work of planting, which, while it makes haste slowly, is really becoiAing quite a feature of the exposition grounds. Exhibits of all kinds — state and individual — are crowding in, and the sound of axe and hammer is indicative of busy industry inside the various buildings. Since the state exhibits began to assume shape miscellaneous visiting has been prohibited, but some of us who have a way to get in are watching with great interest to see which state at least shall unpack "the big pumpkin." Ex-Gov. Furnas, of Nebraska, has pushed his work with more apparent zeal than any other state commissioner, having the advantage of being early upon the ground, and deserves great commendation for skill and persever- ance. Others are already here, however, and are pushing for- ward their several departments with a will. Maj. F. F. Hilder, state commissioner from Missouri, is here, and hard at work. Our state exhibit promises to do us great credit. The space assigned to Missouri is to be found in the Government building, on Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 191 the south side near the center, between the exhibits of Arkansas and Alabama. . California is making the largest exhibit of trees that has come from any state, having now nearly six hundred varieties on the grounds, including Seqnoi Gigantea, Redwood, Acacias, Eucalipti, Palms ; Avith other less noted kinds of semi-tropical plants. It is a showing to confirm Fiiend Husmann's panegyrics. We received to-day from Mexico seven carloads of plants. Among them. Agaves so large that but three of them could be placed on a fiat car, one of them with a fiower stem fifteen feet high. These plants were accompanied by a large force of Mexican gardeners, who present a very picturesque appearance in their blouses and their p6aked sombrero hats, and their bare feet ; but who are, of all men, most miserable Avhen it rains. The fruit exhibit promises success — a large quantity is now in cold storage, and more, much more, is promised. Mr. Babcock, who is here to arrange the fruit display of Arkansas, has the largest quantity of fruit now on the ground from any one state. Nebraska has one hundred and fifty barrels here now, and from some vspecimens which have been unpacked, we judge that she is in the front rank of fruit growing states. I hope that Missouri will do herself justice in the fruit show — she can help her reputation immensely by doing her best just now. Electric lights are now being put in position in all the buildings, so that work can be done by night as well as by day ; thus practically doubling the available time before the exposition. It will be some time, however, before all is done. Although those who come at the opening will find enough to see, to amply repay the trouble of the journe3^ For information to those who think of making the trip south, I will say that letters regarding places for board should be addressed • to B. T. Walsh, Chief of Bureau of Information, Exposition Office — -who has lists of rooms. Places near the grounds are scarce now, but two new hotels are now going up, and the Great Eastern, which will lie at the Exposition wharf through the winter, will be used as a hotel, and will accommodate three thousand people. Prices in private houses will range from one dollar to three dollars per day ; but good board can be had for two dollars. I hope that the meeting of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society in January will be the grand rallying time for our state society. Then will be the grandest display of fruits and all will then be in running order about the grounds and buildings, and the 192 Missouri State Horticultural Society. southern climate will furnish an agreeable cliange from the freezing winter weather. Wishing you a very successful and interesting session in St. Joseph^ and hoping to see most of our members here in January. Yours very truly, S. M. TRACY. After discussion of the president's paper, the society adjourned until Thursday, 9 a.m. * THURSDAY, 9 A. M. Opened by prayer by the chairman. The secretary stated that an-angements had been made to hold our session a little later and complete the programme before adjournment. Dinner will be at l:30»'tit the hotel and it will give ' time to take the trains both noi'th and south. AN ITEM FEOM A*' D. WEBB, OF BOWLING GEEEN, KY. Mr. President, andmemhers of the Missoiiri Horticultural Society. Having been requested by your secretary to furnish an item for this your annual meeting, and feeling it my duty to comply to the best of my ability with every request made of me in the interest of horticulture, on this occasion, I don't know what better I can do than to briefly refer to Missouri horticulture thirty and forty years ago, and compare the same with the present. It was my privilege to become a citizen of your state in 1842, where I remained in full fellowship until 1852. ten years. Then circumstances rendered it necessary for me to return to my native state, Kentucky. During my ten years residence I traveled over a considerable portion of the state south of the Missouri river, my headquarters for seven years being at Independence. Prom my earliest recollection I was a dear lover of fruit, and a close observer of the same, and my taste has not yet departed. The horticulture of Missouri at this time was in its infancy. Apple orchards were like small potatoes and angels' visits. Those who were fortunate in having a small orchard, barely had enough fruit for home consumption during the winter. In the vicinity of Independence there were a few orchards that yielded a small surplus that partially supplied that market. Any great surplus would have resulted in a loss to the producers, there being no means of transjjortation to the larger markets during the winter. Annual Meeting at St. Josejjh. 193 A few peuc'li trees were occasionally seen in the fence corners, composed of common seedlings, and considered very good for that day. Pears, none. Plnms, ditto, except wild. Grapes, except in the woods I only saw at Herman and St. Louis. Raspberries, none. Strawberries were only seen in nature's fields, the prairies, very abundant in some localities, as also the rattle snakes; these reptiles seemed as fond of reveling in a strawberry patch as the boys and girls. . So much for Missouri horticulture at the time referred to. From a drop in the bucket it has increased to a fountain. Missouri stands to-day among the important fruit growing states of the union. All the fruits adapted to your climate are pro- duced in large quantities. Horticulture has become one of the great industries of your great state. Your apples particularly now have a national reputation, and I think deservedly so, as during the past two years I had the pleasure of feasting my eyes on two grand displays of Missouri apples, viz : at New Orleans and Kansas City. May the good work go on. A. D. WEBB, Bowling Green, Kentucky. REPORT ON FRUITS. L. A. Goodman, Sec. Mo. State Horticultural Society : It is with a great deal of Jiesitation that I undertake to write a paper on horticulture, because I know that my knowledge is too limited to make it what I would like for it to be. My laud is what is called timber land and is well elevated. The soil is a heavy leaf-mould, underlain with a clay subsoil. In 1878 I commenced to clear the land which was to make my future home, and in one year after the first trees were planted. This year I had the pleasure to find the first specimens of fruit, and by another year will have enough to supply my family. In procuring trees, I always went to some nursery and selected my trees, and set them out at once. By doing that I always had the satisfaction of knowing how long they had been out of ground. My experience is that good one-year-old trees are the best to set out. I have tried both fall and spring planting, but could never see any difference, if the planting was well done. I am now en- 194 Missouri State Horticultural Society. gaged in setting out a new orchard in connection with our Lionberger & Gutmann nurseries. I plowed the ground well and deep in the fall, then gave it a thorough harrowing. After that I have crossed it olf by making a straight furrow for every row of trees. I then took a two-horse turning plow and deepened these furrows as much as possible, after which a tree was planted in every cross. I found that there was but little trouble in making the holes, and I like this way of planting better than any other. I am now planting Ben. Davis, Rome Beauty, Huntsman's Favorite, Jona- than and Winesap for commercial purposes. Besides these, I will have a collection of not less than seventy varieties. Were it not for our nursery, of course, I would make quite a different selection. I do not expect to ever plant any more Jennetings, unless to replace trees that should happen to die ; for 1 do not consider them a good market apple. At the same time I believe, that by thorough cultivation and by careful thinning of the fruit. Jennetings could be raised of a larger size and good color. For private use, however, I coiisider them second to none, not even in the state that they are generally found. I keep out rabbits by wrapping the trees ; l;)ut consider the borer my worst enemy. My experience is, that thorough cultivation is by far the best thing to keep them out. This, in connection with the application of some good wash a few times in May and June, I think is the best remedy yet. Where I cannot give the cultivation desired, I expect to mulch heavy and to wrap the trees with coarse paper. I think that mulching is of great importance to fruit trees, at the same time I have found out to my sorrow, that young trees could be injured by a careless ap- plication of coarse manure ; at least, such is my experience. Last spring I employed a man to haul out some manure and put it around some young trees that had just been planted. He left the manure in a pile around the trees which injured the bark to such an extent that two of them died, and I would have lost more had I not found it out in time. The mulch should be well spread over the ground as far as the roots extend. Pruning : — This I consider of great importance in the culture of trees. While I believe in pruning more or less every year, un- til the tree is about full grown, I admit that many trees are -ruined by too much pruning, but this, in my opinion, goes to show that no one is capable of managing trees successfully without knowing- well how to prune, loliat to prune and when to prune. And, to use the language of P. Barry, ''this knowledge can only be acquired Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 195 by a careful study of the structure of trees, because the pruuiug applied to trees must (aside from the geueral princij^les., ou which all pruning depends) be adapted to its particular habits of growth and mode of bearing its fruit. * * * The idea that our bright American sun and clear atmosphere render pruning an almost un- necessary operation, has not only been inculcated by horticultural writers, but has been acted upon in practice to such an extent that more than three-fourths of all the bearing fruit trees in the country are at this moment either lean, misshaped skeletons, or the heads are perfect masses of wood unable to yield more than one bushel in ten of fruit well matured, colored and ripened/^ I prefer to train standard trees in the shape of a pyramid with a central stem. I generally select yearling trees to plant without branches. These I cut back a little to a good sound bud. During the summer I see that the shoots from the bud cut to, takes the lead, by pinching the others, if they seem to outgrow their leader. I go over my orchard a few times during the summer for that pur- pose. The next season I cut the leader back far enough to insure the growth of every bud, as near as possible. Some say not to shorten the leader, but / sai/ do. If your leader has made a fine growth and is not cut back the next season, the consequence is that only a few buds next to the terminal bud will push, while the rest will only produce rosettes of leaves ; you will get blanks that can never be filled up again. The sap always acts with greater force at the extremities of the shoots, which is as true as preaching. As I said before, I always cut back the leader and that to a good, sound bud opposite the bud pruned to tlie j^re- vious season. If the branches had been pinched enough they soldom need pruning, except to remove all that are badly situated, for they should not be nearer than eight or ten inches to each other, but this I attend to during the summer by rubbing off the buds that are likely to produce such branches. The summer following I do as before, see that the bud pruned to, produces a new leader, by pinching back other branches that would be likely to outgrow it. If this is kept up a few years you can have nice trees, without using the knife but very little. I know some will say that that is too much trouble. But of such I would ask, what they could accomplish without trouble. If a man goes to work in the morning with the calculation to do a day's work, he can attend to a large orchard in a very short time. To be sure you cannot always get yearling trees to commence with. But every tree can be managed 196 Miiisnuri State Horticultural Soridy. TREASURER'S REPORT. RECEIPTS : Balance on hand, Dec. 1888 $ 598 00 Received from Slate 1,250 00 Total : $1,848 00 EXPENDITURES : Warrant, No. 26. Mississippi Valley meeting | 41 90 "27. Expense on report, 1883 103 95 " " 28. Postage on reports and letters 114 76 " " 39. Premiums for June meeting. Printing letter heads and envelopes 126 05 " " 30. Express, papers, fruit collection 158 55 • " " 31. Secretary's salary 500 00 " •' 8. Printing state report 642 80 " " 6. Paid expense and Hale Bros 85 00 Total $1,773 00 Leaving balance in treasury $ 75 00 J. C. EVANS, Treas. Approved by finance committee. F. HOLSINGER, D. S. HOLMAN, W. G. GANG. REPOET OF FEUIT COMMITTEE. To the President and Members of the State Horticultural Society of -Missouri : Your committee on fruits on exhibition, having performed their duty to the best of their ability, beg leave to submit the fol- lowing report : We find upon the table a very creditable exhibit of apples, composed of most of our old and standard varieties, as well as some of the newer and untried, or only partially tried. The entries for premiums consist of fift}^ varieties and one hundred and twelve plates. We also find on exhibition a large number of varieties and j)]ates of very fine specimens not entered that are well worthy of special mention. We find upon exhibition three seedlings well worthy of being more extensively tried. The following premiums were awarded : Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 225 Best Seedling — Mr. Kirschbaum. Ben. Davis — Dan. Carpenter. Huntsman — L. A. Goodman. Willow Twig — Karl Werdman. Clayton — Z. S. Kagan. Jersey Black — Z. S. Kagan. Standard — Z. S. Eagan. Wagner — W. Hofely. York Imperial — F. Holsinger. Lansingbury — J. A. Bayles. TulpalK)ckny— W. Hofely. Baldwin — James Gambell. Rome Beauty — Rod Weidman. Milam — S. N. Cox. Mo., Pippin — J. N". Bayles. White Pippin — J. Kirschgi-aber. Stark — Segessemunn. Wine Sap — L. A. Goodman. Geniton — W. G. Gano. Ladies Sweetny — N. G. Gano. Grimes' Golden — Z. S. Ragan. Domine — N. F. Murry. Pennock — P. Jackson. Pryor's Red — J. A. Durkes. Border Ruffian — J. W. Menifee. Lady Apple — W. G. Gano. Gilpin — J. Kirschberger. A number of varieties were rejected being considered un- worthy of premiums. We also find a few plates of Niagara grapes in a good state of preservation by Powell Jackson ; also some fine specimens of evaporated apples. We find a collection of twenty-one varieties of potatoes ex- hibited by Mr. J. W. Menifee, of Holt county, all of which are very fine and promising. One variety by W. G. Gano, Tracy, XXX, very fine, and a sample of Peach Blow by W. Hofely, which is very fine. Although not exactly the province of this committee, we can not close our report without mentioning the beautiful floral tributes presented by Hans Neilsbn, of St. Joseph, H. Michel, of St. Louis, and R. S. Brown, of Kansas City. They were artisti- 226 ' Missouri State Horticultural Soviet y. cally arranged, exquisite in fragrance and added largely to the appearance of the room and to the enjoyment of all attending onr meeting. All of which is most respectfully submitted. J. P. RiCKARD, g. f. espenlaub, Chas. Patterson, Committee. Invitation of the society to meet at Butler by H. B. Francis. Moved that we meet at Butler. Carried. The division of the State into districts and the appointment of the committees is referred to the Executive committee. By motion of Mr. Gano, C. W. Murtfeldt was made an hono- rary member of the state society. Mr. Murtfeldt thanked the society for this honor. Moved that the society thank Mr. Neilson for the decorations in the chapel and the tasteful manner in which they are arranged. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINAL RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, 1st. That the tliaaks of this society are hereby most gratefully tendered the Unity Chapel society for the use of its comfortable and handsomely adorned church during the session. Resolved, 2nc]. We return our thanks to the hotels and rail- roads for reduced rates to the members and to the citizens of St. Joseph for their hospitality for which they are noted. Resolved, 3rd. That the thanks of the Society are tendered our excellent chairman for the courteous and impartial manner in which he has preserved and conducted the business brought before the society. And all cannot refrain from expressing our appreciation of the courteous, excellent, faithful manner in which our noble Secretary has discharged the duties assigned to him. D. Carpenter, Gr. E. Meissner, C. H. Fink, Committee. A7i7iual Meeting at St. Joseph. 227 EEPORT OF HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETIES AND COUNTY EEPORTS. EEPORT OF SECRETARY OF MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Missouri State Horticultural Society : By request of your secretary, I furnish a brief report of the proceedings of the Missouri Valley Horticultural Society for the present year. The meetings of the society, during the winter months, were held at the office of Vineyard & Wilkinson in Kansas City. These meetings were generally well attended and t!ie proceedings of a very interesting character. The award of premiums on apples was kept up during the entire winter, and we can say there was not a single meeting during the present year that apples could not be found on the society's tables. The proceedings of the meetings of the society are published in the daily papers of Kansas City, and are eagerly sought after by all classes of readers. The statements and reports whicii are made at these uiontldy meetings are regarded as a kind of horticultural thermometer, by which the consumer can form some idea of the local fruit production. The executive committee marked out the best programme the present year, (so far as concerns the selection of subjects for essays) the society has ever known. And had each member responded by producing the papers assigned him, we would have had a collection of papers of whicli the society might well feel proud. But, not- withstanding so many failed to come to time, we have quite a collection of valuable and interesting papers, a list of subjects which I append below : " Injury Done to Our Stone Fruits and What to do." Es- sayist, G. F. Espenlaub. " How Shall the Horticulturist Maintain the Fertility of the Soil.'' Essayist, Wm. Hopkins. "Mulching Cultivation, or Seeding Our Orchards." Essayist, Durkes. ii 228 Missouri State Horticulttiral Society. " Birds, Benefit, or Injury. English Sparrow Good, or Bad." Essayist, F. Holsinger. "Horticultural Progress."- Essayist, L. A. Goodman. "Horticultural Outlook." Essayist, G. F. Espenlaub. Mission of Flowers." Mrs. F. Holsinger. Observation the Key to Horticultural Success." Essayist. Judga M. B. Newman. "Effects of Bees on Fruit." Essayist, S. D. Gregg. These are all first class papers, and we hope to see them pub- lished in connection with the proceedings of this society. The summer meetings of the society were held at the fol- lowing places : May — L. A. Goodman's. June — C. E, Kern's. July — Maj. Frank Holsinger. The August meeting was to have been held at the home of Pres..J. C. Evans, but proved a failure on account of a rainy day. September — G. F. Espenlaub. October — Judge John K. Cravens. Tne summer meetings have been well attended and the dis- play of all kinds of fruit in their respective season has been above an average. The Society has paid out as premiums on fruit and flowers during the year the sum of $55.00, and realized from sale of fruit and flowers the sum of $12.70. The best specimens of fruit have been selected at each montlily meeting and placed in cold storage to be used in the State exhibit at New Orleans. The society as usual competed for the premium offered by the the Inter-State fair at Kansas City, and secured first and third premiums, amounting to $175.00. A new departure was taken this year, and the society made an exhibition of vegetables, taking the first premium of 150. The display was the most tastefully arranged of any we have ever witnessed and the society expressed its appreciation by tendering a vote of thanks to the committee in charge. The total premiums taken by the society during the year is 1225.00, The following is a list of officers for the present year. President, J. C. Evans. A^ice-President, E. Lindsay. Secretary, G. W. Hopkins. Treasurer, G. F. Espenlaub. Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 229 The society has obtained several new members from among practical horticulturists the present year, which shows its influence is felt and sco23e of usefulness is being enlarged each year. In con- clusion allow me to indulge the hope, the time will sjaeedily come when each county in the State will have within its borders a live horticultural society. All of which is respectfully submitted. G. W. HOPKIiS^S, Secretary. ESSAYS READ AT THE MEETINGS. HOKTICULTURAL PROGRESS. I believe horticulturists are exceptions to the rule of opposing anything new, or anything out of the ordinary line. Of all classes, they are the first to take any new thing that may present itself, or any outlandish affair that is beyond reason itself. When the fact first became known that the world was round and not flat, the theologians said it would never, never do, the world could not be round, the sun stand still and the Bible be true. But let some new matter come up in the horticultural world and you will have nearly every horticulturist to believe the whole thing. Do you think I am joking ? Let me point you to the swindle of an ear of corn growing from every joint, and the corn sold all over the country for seed. Last winter -a man said that he had a pear and butternut tree growing together, and the butternut fertilized the pear, and the consequence was that he had a pear on the outside and a nut on the inside, and some were ready to believe it. I told a man that I gathered black raspberries out of a Winesap apple tree, and had to use a ladder to get them. He at once thought I had a tree raspberry and wanted the first plants. But for all this every one of these things helps to open our eyes. It sets us to thinking. It starts us to experimenting. It brings us to our books. It makes us study. I shall not attempt to show what has been done by horti- culture, how far ahead we are of the times three hundred years ago, nor one hundred years ago, nor twenty-five years ago. We all know what improvements have been made in the strawberry. We know what changes there have been in grafting and budding. We know we are ahead of old times in our horticultural improvements. 230 Missouri State' Horticulttiral Society. We know how manifold are the horticultural contrivances that are on every hand. Tiiese things are known to you all. How the tools are on every hand for every little turn we may make ; how rapidly we can propagate not only trees and vines, but every plant known to man ; how our forcing houses are sometimes a wonder to behold ; how the lawns and yards are gaining on every side. We want to know not only what progress has been made, but what can be made. Where do we need an improvement ? where are we the most deficient ? It seems to me that our greatest need is in a good horticultural education. We should have a school where the matters and experiments should be followed out with the utmost cai-e. We know how to plant, when to plant, where to plant, what to plant, or we think we do, and all our talk is on these subjects, or pertaining to them, and we never get beyond them. When shall we stop this A B C of horticulture? We.should have in this school our experiments carried on for ten, twenty or fifty years, and then the results will be worth something. We think that we know what to do now, but listen : Take any fruit grower and let him plant a portion of his place, and keep planting every year after, as the fruits come into bearing, and what will be the result? You say he will learn from each year's experience what to plant. Yes, so he will, but each year will be different. For instance : When I began planting, I was told the White Winter Pearmain did finely, so I planted them. The next year the Jennet was the only one that bore, so I planted Jennet. The next year the Winesap were splendid, so I planted Winesap. Next I saw some splendid Early Harvest, and th"ey brought $3.00 per bushel, and I planted them. So you will find many of us in the same line of work. This is not only true in the apple, but in the peach and berries also, Now what is to be done ? How will we remedy this ? I, of course, cannot answer this fully, but this I do know, that if a series of experiments, carried on for a number of years could be noted, the weather, the bloom, the insects, the crops and the prices, we would have some basis on which we could figure. Shall we ever have a rule for determining the names of apples ? will be one of the questions for our horticultural progress to answer. How many have come to me with discouraged look, saying they could not find their apples in the book on apples, and did not know where to look. Can we have a book that will tell us the name of an apple as easily as we can find it in the dictionary, or as easily as we can find the name of a flower in the botany. ' It Annual Meeting at St. Jose])li. 231 seems that something might be done, and I believe that the late Dr. J. A. Warder began the work rightly in his work on ''Amer- ican Pomology." Can this be imjDroved upon, or will it be fol- lowed out ? Horticultural progress is shown by the live horticultural societies all over our states, and needs to be shown more and more. Progress will be seen when we have thousands in our state societies and one hundred county societies scattered all over each state. Horticultural progress means feeding our jilants with different foods and noting the result. (Jan we ever feed our trees and vines with as much knowledge as we do our hogs and cattle ? If so. we can see different results in our orchards and gardens. Have our orchards been starved ? Are they weak ? Have they been frozen ? Are they poor ? We could have answered these questions if the trees had been hogs or cattle. Why cannot we answer them now ? Horticultural progress, here is some of the work for us to do. One year ago last August, I was up through Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and New York. Their orchards looked then just as many of the trees in the orchards look now in the west. What caused it ? Are we everywhere to never know these things except by experience ? My belief is that it was the same cause that injured them then that has hurt ours now. Had a careful record been kept of the weather, crops, condition, treatment, &c., of them then, it would have been a warning to us before this. Shall we ever reach this point, that certain causes produce cer- tain results ? Can this be brought down to our knowledge ? Can it be reduced to a practical matter ? It can and will be, and then we will not go on the haphazard plan of planting and cultivating without knowing what we are doing. In new fruits we are making fapid progress, and still here is one of the broadest fields for work, and if as great advance is made in the next twenty-five years, we shall expect to see Just the fruits we want. One more matter and I am through; and that is, that we must teach our children and let others know the same, that there is as broad field for study and brain work in the horticultural world as in any other field. That horticulture does not mean only digging and plowing, but it means study, and reading, and experimenting, and working. Here is one of the best fields' for horticultural progress ; give people to understand that it is a great work, an honorable work. That there is plenty of room for study and inves- tigation, and that it presents one of the best fields for a young man to enter. We will thus build up the idea of horticulture and give 233 Missouri State Horticultural Society. it the prominence it deserves among the professions of the world. We will then see it as one of the first and best occupations for man to engage in, even as it was in the beginning, when man was put in the garden to dress it. L. A. QOODMAX, MISSION OF FLOWEKS. Flowers are nature's jewels, and deserving of a place in our hearts as well as our homes ; our homes are more home-like by reason of their presence. Even the rude dug-out or log-cabin of the pioneer is made attractive by a vine covering the doorway and a few flowers cultivated in its adornment. We always feel the better when coming in contact with people who thus care for a little flower. Then let each home have a place for their cultivation. They will reward us with both beauty and fragrance. They will teach us the important lessons of life — bringing us closer to the great author who wrote " Consider the lilies of tlie field." The influence of flowers is potent upon all for good. And sordid, indeed, must be the nature which does not receive pleasure from them. How the little child loves them ; from earliest infancy they behold them with delightful ecstacy. And what is more pleasing than thus to see pure little ones lovingly gather these treasures a gift to papa, perhaps, as he comes home from a day of toil or vexatious business. The progress of our race is indicated by the care of flowers ; at least as we grow in importance as a people it is seen in the cultiva- tion and love cherished for them. No home would be complete without them. JSTeither could a home fail of benefit from their presence in intelligence, virtue and refinement. They bring us to love the infinite and remove from us the bad. Immorality and vice cannot exist where there is a proper ai)preciation for the fiowers. How generous has been the Father in his dissemination of " Nature's Jewels." He has planted them upon every hill top and in every dell. He has spread them like a carpet under our feet. No place howsoever secluded but plants and fiowers giving forth beauty and fragrance, and thus throughout the year giving manifestations of His love. How they twine themselves to our hearts when sad or alone. Many instances could be given where but for the presence of a plant life had been unsupportable. While the companionship of a plant has given the comfort coming from a mind employed with a purpose'. How touchingly beautiful and pathetic is the case illustrated by Boni- face in his inimitable story of Picciola. The Count of Charney, a Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 233 man of unusual intelligence, having at an early age mastered seven languages, he investigated every subject and was finally lost in the labyrinth of study. So like many students he fell. Like Thomas, he doubted. He came to look upon history as a stuijendous lie, heaped up from age to age. Like many other students he assumed to change things to his own understanding. Thus his historical romance was derided from envy (no doubt) by the learned and society, by ignorance. Living in an age of revolution, he was carried by des- tiny into politics. He engaged to point out some of the worst abuses, but so rooted had they become in the social system, so many destinies builfupon false principles that he became disheartened and again plunged into metaphysics. The further he advanced into their mysteries, the greater the confusion in his mind. It, like the will-o'-the-wisp, allured only to mislead. After being thus tossed about after first one doctrine then an- other, between deism, atheism and every other ism, lie took refuge in universal skepticism. Thus Charney became a disciple of gross pantheism, refusing to believe in one superior intelligence. He reasoned thus : The disorder inherent in creation, the perpetual contradictions between ideas and things, the unequal distribution of strength and fortune among mankind, fixed in his mind that blind matter alone had created all. Thus Chance became his G-od, annihilation the object of liis hope. Having engaged in a consiDiracy he was seized by the great Bonaparte and consigned in 1804 to the fortress of Fenestrella. Here, now, we find the philosopher, sage and scientist shut out from men and society. . All that wealth could bestow he exchanged for a prisoner's cell — a most gloomy chamber. One day, while perambulating his cell, he saw a tiny plant between the crevice of the stone pavement. At first he raised his foot to crush it — he hesitated, and said to himself, " perhaps, some day, this plant may emit fragrance." Another thought came to him, how was it possible for that plant so small, tender and fragile that a touch might break it, to rise, separate and throw out that earth, dried and hardened by the sun. trodden under foot by him, and almost cemented to the two blocks of granite between which it was pressed. He bent over it again to examine it the more closely, and saw how wisely nature had provided it with valves which folded and protected its tender petals. This was his first lesson in true philosophy, for he said, behold the secret : "^ It receives from 234 3Iissouri State Horticultural Society. nature this principle of strength as birds do, wlio, before they are born, are armed with a bill hard enough to break the thick shell which confines them." Before this he had written upon the walls of his cell with a piece of charcoal, ''chance is blind, and is the sole author of creation." He now wrote beneath it — "perhaps ! " A new thought has dawned upon his mind, and to care for this plant engrossed all his thought. Patiently he cared for his new friend, and after patient watching he saw, at lengthy evi- dences of bloom. " Oh ! the flowers ! the flowers," he cried, "the flowers that will expand their beauty for my eyes. Whose perfume shall exhale for me alone. What form will it take, what shades will color its petals ? Without doubt it will offer me new problems to solve and throw a last challenge to my reason. Well, let it come ; let my frail adversary show herself armed at all points, I will not shrink from the contest. Perhaps only then shall I be able to comprehend her in her completeness, that secret which her imperfect formation has thus far hidden from me. Wilt thou flower ? Wilt thou show thyself to me one day in all the glory of thy beauty and its adorn- ment, ' Picciola ? ' " Thus he named his flower. To follow Oharney through his companionsliip with his Picciola in health and sickness would require too much time. When convalescent, after a severe attack of sickness, his first thoughts were of Picciola. When seeing her beautifully arrayed in bloom he was led to ask of what use are flowers, why fragrant? Do they enjoy it themselves ? No ! Is it a pleasure to animals ? Who has seen a sheep or a dog stop before a rose to. breathe its sweetness ? It is for man alone then that they pour forth that fragrant treasure. Why ? To make him love them, perhaps !. One day, after studying his plant, he became violently agitated. Thought succeeded thought in his brain, and for a moment, raising his face heavenward, was led to exclaim, '• Powerful God ! Source invisible whence flows all harmony, all life, too much false science has obscured my reason, too many sophisms have hardened my heart, so that thou canst not easily penetrate' it. I cannot yet hear thee, but I call thee. I cannot see thee, but I call thee." On entering his chamber his eye caught the inscription upon the wall : "God is naught, but a word." He then added, "That word, may it not solve the grand enigma of the universe ?" Thus this great scholar, this teacher of false re- ligions, is conducted to the infinite by the simple plant through its beauty and fragrance. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 235 How touchingly beautiful is the ijoem of " God's beautiful thoughts/' by Mrs. Mary Savage, a Kansas horticulturist. God's beautiful thoughts ai'e flowers so fair, Which tell of our Father's loving care For the children of men, .which all may share, Whether high or low, whether rich or poor, For they bloom as bright by the cottage door. With odor as fragrant, and beauty as rare. As in the grounds of a millionaire. KEPOET ON VEGETABLES. BY J. W. KIDWELL. Mr. Presidext : — Your committee on vegetables beg leave to begin their report at this time, by referring to our last, or rather beginning, Avhere we left off. In our last report we outlined the work of the gardener for January and February by referring to that work in a general way ; leaving out many details which are just as important as the main work. We spoke of manure hauling, hot-bed making, seed sow- ing and transplanting, all in a general way. Now if this society can stand the pressure, we propose to give some details, as we un- derstand them. ♦ MA]SrURE HAULING FOR HOT-BED MAKING. Who would suppose at the first thought that there was any science or art in that plain work? Any person who. can hold the lines and drive a pair of well broke horses, and has the nerve to handle a good f our-tined fork,' can come to the city and get a load of manure, drive it home and carelessly throw it off where directed by his employer. Many of the professional gardeners around Kansas City do their manure hauling (or have it done) in this very way, and then wonder why it does not start to heating at once, just in the coldest weather when they are anxious to start a hot-bed. Manure for hot-beds should be fresh from the stable ; hauled to the place selected for the bed, and thrown off in a square or long heap — not in a careless or indifferent manner, but when a third of the load has been thrown off it should be well tramped ; when another third is thrown off again tramped, and so treating the last third of 236 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the load in a like manner. Three good loads of manure treated in this way will heat in the coldest weather. After the pile is well fomented ; say in three or four days after the first heat is noticed, it should be turned over, beginning at one end and forming a new heap in a similar manner as the first. If at this turning the heap shows signs of burning, or fire-fang as it is called, give it six or eight buckets of water in the center of the heap, and in four or five days it is ready for the bed. Then begin the bed by turning the manure on the spot where the bed is to stand ; being careful to shake out the manure well and at the same time keeping the bed as level as possible and tramping it well three or four times, till the manure is quite solid to the depth of fifteen to eighteen inches. Then the bed is ready for the frame, which is usually a box six feet wide by twelve feet long, with the back board fifteen inches wide, anp the foot board twelve inches wide, giving the proper pitch to re- ceive the suns rays and also to throw off the rain from the glass. The sash mostly used aroun,d Kansas City are six feet long by four feet wide ; three of these sash being placed upon the twelve foot box or frame. Before the sash are placed on the box it is banked around with manure and well tramped to keep the frame in its place. Then it is ready for the dirt, which should be a good light loam well composted with rotten manure ; putting from six to eight inches in depth of this soil in your box. The bed is then well raked down and the sash put on and left a few days when it is ready for the seed. A hot-bed made in this way in December will hold its heat all winter sufficient to grow lettuce or most any other crop by covering, in the severest cold weather. Eaising the sash to give your plants air during the winter months is another fine point in the raising of winter crops under glass. Here the best judgment and fine sense of the gardener is well taxed to know how, and just how much, to raise his sash with a good bottom heat beneath his plants, and a bright sun beaming down upon his glass, at the same time a cold north wind blowing a strong gale and freezing everything in the shade. These last diffi- culties to be contended with are the greatest drawbacks to the amateur, as well as the professional gardener, in the managemen of hot-beds in our changeable climate. After the hot-bed is ready for the seed it is marked at the proper distance and the marks made the proper depth to suit the seed to be planted. The seed is then drilled in by the thumb and finger and covered by opening the fingers and drawing them down each side of the row. Then a board a foot wide and just long Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 237 enough to go inside the box, is dropped in and the dirt on the seed is settled by stepping on the board, and in this way going over the whole bed. After this the bed is thoroughly sprinkled and the sash placed back on again. Should the weather be ex- tremely cold or the sun extremely bright, the bed should be covered. In the first extremity the bed might get too cold, and in the last it might get too dry and hot before the seed had time to germinate. Sometimes a little air before the seed is up is quite necessary and as soon as the seed is up the plants should have all the light and air that the weather will allow, to give them the natural healthiness and hardiness that they Avould have if raised in open ground. As to the varieties and different kinds of vegetables to be raised your committee hardly know what kind to recommend. There are many gardeners who have many varieties of seeds to recommend to the public, and all may be good in some parts of our country. Hence, we can only recommend such varieties for this locality as have been tried and tested. The following are some of the leading- vegetables that have been raised and found to be good for this sec- tion : Asparagus, Colossal beans, Ey Feejee, Red Valentine and Golden Wax, Pole beans, large white Lima ; Beet, Egyptian for early and eclipse for late ; Cabbage, Early Jersey, Wakefield and Henderson's Early Summer for early. For late. Premium Flat Dutch. For trial, early Etampes ; Cauliflower, Henderson's Snow Ball ; Celery, Golden Dwarf, and for trial Henderson's White Plume. Corn, Early Adams, Egyptian Sweet and Stowell's Ever- green. Cucumber, Long Green. Egg Plant, New York improved. Lettuce, Coffman's for hot-beds and Hanson's for out door. Musk- melon, Montreal Market and Hackensack. Onions, Denver Yellow Globe and Southport White Globe. Peas, Henderson's first of all American Wonder, and for trial. Bliss ever bearing. Spinach, Savoy leaf and Round leaf. Squash, White Bush Scol- loped, America^! Turban and Hubbard. Tomato, the Paragon, Acme and Perfection ; for trial, the Cardinal. Turnip, the best variety for our hot climate is the Purple Top Strap Leaf. Your committee have only named those vegetables that are mostly raised as a main crop and some of the new varieties we think well ' worthy a trial. 238 Missouri State Horticnltural Society. OBSEEVATIUA THE KEY TO HORTICULTUEAL SUCCESS. BY JUDGE M. B. ]S'EWMA2f, WYANDOTTE, KANSAS. Mr. President : In response to the request of your society, received through secretary, I have prepared an essay on the subject of " Observation as the Key to Horticultural Success. As it is well known to the members of this society that my reputation as a practical horticulturist rests upon a very limited foundation, you will not be surprised at the confession that I find myself, on this occasion, to be in a somewhat similar position to that of the noted Scottish parson, whose precepts were much more edifying to his parishioners thaii was his example — and who used to say to his flock : ''Brethren, I wad na' ha' ye do as I do, but do as I tell ye.^' But as all this was fully understood when the action of this society was had in the premises, I must conclude that little more will be expected from me, in this essay, than the introduction of a mere entering wedge to the more practical ob- servations that may be expected to follow in your further discussion of the subject. Observation, and the practical application of its best results, are not only necessary to horticultural success, but are equally essential to success in all the leading pursuits of life ; and especially to the advancement of all real knowledge. Astronomy, geology, mineralogy, chemistry, and all the kindred branches in the study of nature, would unquestionably have been yet to-day involved in the misty ignorance of the middle ages, had it not been for those funda- mental changes in the courses of thought, and interpretations of na- ture's phenomena, eifected by more penetrating observations of facts, and their more careful study. Two centuries ago, by observing the falling of an apple, the great intellect of Sir Isaac Newton pene- trated and solved the law of gravitation, and thereby first demonstrated the truth of the Copernican system of astronomy,' and otherwise prepared the way for a new era in scientific progress. •Since then, following in the light of that great mental luminary, a thronged succession of ardent students of nature have so success- fully continued observant explorations in all the fruitful fields of natural science, that now clear light is shining everywhere on Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 239 what, but a lew centuries ago, was the comparative darkness of almost vmiversal ignorance of nature's actual laws. But it would be outside of the purpose and the necessary limits of this paper to follow, even in outlines, the course and results of observation in the wide domains of scientific research. Nay, even in the limited field of horticulture alone, it will be necessary to carefully guard against such fullness of scope as would too much extend the limits and consume the time to which I should appropriately be confined. And I am" fully aware that much of what I nlay have to leave unsaid herein will be fai- more intructively referi'ed to by the intelligent members of this society, m the after discussion. Unfortunately for the modern students of pomology, the past course of its development, previous to the present century, is, for the most part, an unwritten history. In ancient classic literature, and also in that of medieval times, and onward to nearly the close of the 18th century, we find occasional references to the subject ; though but little, if any, real light is thereby thrown upon the actual stages of its development. Doubtless the critical observa- tions and the practical experiments of those earlier ages must have been incoiceivably numerous ; and had the records thereof been duly preserved they would have constituted most interesting volumes of horticultural literature. This, however, must be left largely to the imagination ; and while we must deeply reget the loss of that which would have afforded us so much both of scientific and antiquarian interest, we have abundant reason to rejoice in the fullness of pomological science and literature developed within our present century. Opening with the valuable, but rather unmethodized writings of such men as Knight, Forsyth, and others, of England, and Coxe, Fessenden and Prince, of the United States, in the first quarter of our century ; and still later, largely enriched by those eminent writers, Thomas, Kenrick, Manning and Barry, it was reserved for the latter part of the second quarter of the century to lift our favorite study from its previously unorganized condition to the proud distinction of a highly developed science. When the labors of the venerated A. J. Downing culminated in the publication of his " Fruits and Fruit Treesof America," in 1845, a broad scientific basis for horticultural study was at once recognized by all intelligent pomologists. And guided by the great light of that admirable production, a briliant constellation of stars suc- cessively arose in the horticultural firmament, culminating in the 240 Missouri State Horticultural Suciehj. evolution of Dr. John A. Warder, whose memory is now equally venerated with that of the lamented Downing. Sin.ce the auspicious events last referred to, observation, sup- plemented by sound scientific principles, has been brought to bear, at all times and in all directions, on the varied phenomena present- ed in horticultural work. These observations have been regularly and carefully noted and collated ; and, by intelligent study and ex- perimentation based thereon, progress in the right direction is be- ing steadily maintained. The improvements of varieties of fruits by cross fertilization and hybridization — the adaptations of our va- rious classes of fruits to the diversified soils, elevations, aspects, and other local influences of our respective orchard and vineyard situa- tions— the antidotes to our multitudes of insect enemies and fungoid antagonisms^ — the modes of cultivation, and the manurial aids, best suited to the full development of the various fruits under our cul- ture, in size, and forms, and excellence of qualities — in short, all matters affecting the results of horticultural labors, advantageously or disadvantageously, as the case may be, are now being so closely and intelligently studied that those who fail to keep step to the spirit of the age, by persistent observation of all the elements of success and failure, must necessarily fall behind the ranks of the successful horticulturalists of the age. But m connection with the foregoing suggestion of some of the perplexing concomitants of horticultural operations, it seems appro- priate to duly recognize the valuable work now being accomplished by certain distinguished laborers outside of the ranks of those who are devoting themselves to fruit culture mainly for its pecuniary results. Last January we had the pleasure of attending, in Kansas City, the annual meeting of the Mississijjpi Valley Horticultural Society. In that unusually intelligent assemblage were many of the most distinguished and successful fruitgrowers of our country ; and also among them there were a number of the learned professors from our various western industrial colleges. There ripe experience and scientific ability were gathered side by side. Carefully observed facts were clearly stated there by the practical members ; and on the submission of these to the scientists, their usually clear elucida- tions were such that we could not but feel gratified at the many tri- umphs of mind over matter therein manifested. But the feature of that meeting that I would call special attention to was the palpable effect of close observation and study as the means of their readiness and clearness in the statements and interpretations of the facts pre- sented. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 241 Who that attended those interesting meetings would fail to bu impressed with the fact that close observation and profound study of the phenomena of nature, were the mainsprings of the mental powers therein so conspicuously displayed. And how well was it therein demonstrated that in the united labors of the practical horticulturalists on the one hand, and the scientists on the other hand, we are ultimately to bring to practical solutions all the troublesome problems of horticultural pursuits. In conclusion I must briefly advert to the fact that, notwith- standing the vast advances in horticultural knowledge made within the present century, we are as yet but barely entering upon the pathways that lead toward the highest attainable success ; and how rapid our further progress may be must depend upon continuing perseverance in critical observation, and the wisdom shown in mak- ing the best use of the results. Then let me here suggest — and especially to tlie younger horticultural workers of this society — the importance of regularly journalizing all the daily observations and .interesting incidents of your work. Note when and how you have attended to the planting and after cultivation of each species and variety of the fruits under your care ; note the after stages of growth and development of each ; note particularly the staminate plants with which you fertilize your pistilates, and closely scrutinize the varying results, if any, as affecting quantity and quality of the fruit produced. In short, every item of work necessary to be done should be considered worthy of a special note, and all the more interesting items should be carefully underscored. Then, at the close of eacli season's work, the entire journal should be thoroughly reviewed, and its lessons formulated, as systematically as your accounts of profit and loss. No better course of self-education can you possibly adopt ; and no other course can make you so useful as members of your society, or so ready to speak creditably on the questions arising for discussion in your meetings. In a word, emulate the admirable examples of the distinguished leaders in pomology, the benefits of whose arduous labors we are now so richly enjoying, and honor tlie memories of Downing and Warder by the continuance of their suc- cessful methods of work and study. And to do this with the best practical effect, each should constantly bear in mind the subject of this day's discussion : " Observation, the Ke}^ to Horticultural Success." 242 3lissouri State Horticultural Society. EEPOKT OF HOLT COUNTY HORTIOULTUEAL SOCIETY. BY THE SECRETARY, J. M. HASNESS, OREGON, MO. The Holt County Horticultural Society was organized in March 1883, with ten members. ISI. F. Murry was elected president and J, M. Hasness secretary. From the first, it was a success, and now numbers fifty-four members, of whom thirty-eight are males and sixteen female, and the ihost of whom talie an active interest in the society and its meetings. Each spring a strawberrry and a raspberry display is made, small premiums offered for best displays, and the fruits become the property of the society, and with cream and cakes, contributed by the members, a feast is had. Dr. Gos- lin is the '"^ Big Injun" at the strawberry displays, and J. N. Menifee, at the raspberry ones. During the year four meetings have been held, all of which were well attended. At the last, the State Secretary, Dr. Goodman, was present and did us the honor of saying that our apple display was in many respects the best he had seen this season, and would be a credit to any country. Papers upon various subjects are read at each meeting, and discussed by the members, and mucli valuable information obtained. The officers of the society for the present year are : N. F. Murry, President ; J. N. Menifee, Vice-President ; J. M. Has- ness, Secretary ; C. Hoblozell, Treasurer. Since the organization of the society much more interest is being taken in fruit raising than formerly, and especially is this the case in small fruit culture. Not only are more going into the business, but better varieties and more systematic methods of cul- tivating are being introduced. The Holt County Horticultural Society held a very interesting meeting on Saturday afternoon, October 11. The object of this meeting was to make selections of apples to be sent to the World's Fair at New Orleans. State Secretary Goodman was present and read a very inter- esting essay on the fruit interests of our state, and also a very interesting talk on the prospective prices of apples. He was of the opinion that if our apple growers would hold on to their best varieties, such as Ben Davis, Wine Saps, etc., they would be able to realize 80 cents to ILOO j)er bushel by December or January. Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 243 Missouri and Kansas, he said no doubt would be called upon to supply the great west and northwest. Those who made displays of apples were : George Meyer, six varieties. T. I. Kreek, forty-six varieties. David Barbour, five varieties. ]Sr. F. Murry, thirty varieties. John Bond, four varieties. John Callow, five varieties. S. T. Huiatt, one variety. J. K. Menifee, five varieties. Wm. Brodbeck, twenty-five varieties. Stephen Blanch ard, seven varieties. T. B. Curtis, five varieties. L. ]Sr. Howard, three varieties. Henry Hughes, five varieties, Mr. X. F. Murry read the following interesting pajDer on ''VAKIETIES OF APPLES:" After all tlie luminous works by able authors, giving a detailed and accurate description of thousands of varieties of the apple, together with the nurseryman's descriptive catalogues scattered with a liberal hand broadcast over the country, an article at this time from your humble servant on the same subject may seem stale and a waste of time. To my mind no other question connected with the whole routine of fruit growing, requires so much careful study and practical knoAvledge. On this our future success or failure depends. Warder's work on American pomology describes about fifteen hundred varieties ; in addition to this, we have other lengthy lists with glowing descriptions, and new varieties coming 'into notice. Also many imported varieties from Eussia and elsewhere, being continually extolled by the silver-tongued tree vender, as superior tf) iiiir native varieties. With all this vast array of varieties spread out before the man who contemplates planting an orchard, it is little wonder that he often makes the mistake of planting too many varieties. This is the fatal rook on which many enthusiastic growers shipwreck. In our own experience we have noticed many fine looking orchards that in reality had no commercial value — not v/orth the ground they occupied ; because of too many varieties, many of which were almost barren, although very fruitful and profitable in other sections. We just now think of our fine Baldwin tree in our own orchard, planted fifteen years ago, that has just 244 Missouri State Horticultural Society. borne fifteen apples all told ; yet this is a choice apple and the great commercial apple of some sections in the east. The Roxbury, Ensset and Rome Beauty were the two great market apples of the Ohio River Valley twenty years ago ; neither one is profitable here. Some varieties, like men, start off well, make a brilliant record for a few years, then so utterly fail as to -disgust their warmest friends and admirers. Of such is the White Winter Pearmain, famous in Northwest Missouri fifteen years ago, and at that time really a fine, delicious variety, but now I pronounce it worthless. The history of this apple may bring to our minds the inquiry as to whether certain varieties run out or not. No, they never do. This is a mistakei:! notion of some writers. In the case of the White Winter Pearmain, at the time it stood so high, was simply a trial, and for a few years made a good record, but in a fifteen year race it has been left in the distance. But it would* be impossible for me at present to speak of all the good varieties in cultivation, much less the bad, so I shall only speak of a few good varieties for a given purpose. The first question for the one about to plant an apple orchard to decide, is for .what purpose he wishes to grow apples ? If it be for family use, then he should consult the family taste and select varieties enough to give them a succession of ripe apples the en- tire year. If near a large city and he wishes to peddle apples on the market twelve months in the year, let him do the same. If to feed and fatten stock, as some of our eastern friends do, then select sweet varieties. If for cider, plant Hem's Virginia Crab and you will not be disapjDointed. ' If for a commercial orchard of the best paying winter varieties, plant Ben. Davis, Jonathan, Grime's Golden Pippin, Willow Twig. Winesaps and Janet. If I was asked the question to name the most profitable market apple, I would unhesitatingly answer Ben Davis. It has proved so in our own orchard. We find it growing in favor with the people and advancing in price. If I was compelled to choose just one variety for all purposes it would be Grime's Golden Pippin. I feel sure this great apple is underrated. The original tree grew in Brooke count}", West Virginia, not far from my former home. I have known this variety for thirty years, and had the statement from a trustworthy source that the original tree was eighty years old and had borne fruit for seventy-five years in succession. Warder says the tree is vigorous and healthy, an early bearer, fruit of the very best quality ; use, dessert ; too good for aught else ; season, June to March. Twenty years ago when this apj^le was introduced Aiimial Meeting at ISt. Joseph. 245 into the Cinciunati market it created such a call for more, that nursery trees run up from fifteen to fifty cents each. After a trial of it in Holt county for fifteen years I find, it more than sustains its eastern reputation ; the fruit is larger, finer, tree productive, don't overbear, but bears every year ; tree very hardy, so hardy that our two past '^ Arctic" winters failed to leave their trace, al thong li damaging many varieties, considered hardy, seriously. The frait sells readily at high prices. Only one objection to it in the market, that is they don't get enough to bring it into general notice. I think it has a bright future and those who plant largely of it for market will not be disajDpointed. There were four premiums awarded. For the largest col- lection of apples, two dollars, was awarded to T. I. Kreck ; the second largest, one dollar, to N". F. Murry. For the best collec- tion of flowers, two dollars, was awarded to J. N. Menifee ; for the best bouquet, one dollar, Mrs. S. Q. Goslin. The committee in making the awards for apples, stated that the best specimens ex- hibited were made by Mr. William Brodbeck and N. F. Murry. The selections made for the World's fair at New Orleans were made from the displays made by Messrs. S. T. Huiatt, John Callow, T. I. Kreck, N. F. Murry, Thomas Curtis, Wm. Brodbeck, John Bond, Henry Hughes, S. Blanchard. The varieties consisted of Ben. Davis, Jonathan, Winesaps, Tophahocking, Domine, Talma Sweet, Brodwell Sweet, York, Imperial, Baldwin, Perry, Russet, Bellflowers, Rambo, Stark and Pearmain. This meeting of the society was one of the best in its history, and we opine Holt county will make a showing at the World's Fair, second to none in the United States. REPORT OF GREEJN^E COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. D. S. HOLMAX, SECRETARY^ SPRINGEILD. Officers and Memtjers of the Missouri Horticultural Society : Pursuant to call of your Secretary, I hereby offer a short report from Oreene County Horticultural Society. Though never large this society was a living working society a score of years ago, and for years did good service in the cause of 246 Missouri State Horticultural Society. horticulture in this locality. Falling into a state of lukewarmness for a time the society abandoned the regular monthly meetings. Last summer a reorganization was effected by a few old members and some new ones with intention to rebuild and go forward ; this we are doing, and are encouraged by occasional accessions of new members, of whom a liberal number are ladies, who readily adjust themselves to the floral and kindred duties best fitting their skillful and willing hands. Our regular meetings are upon the first Saturday of each month in Springfield. Our number is only thirty-two members, with the following officers : President — M. J. Koundtree. Vice-President — Joseph Kirchgraber. Secretary — D. S. Holman. Treasurer — F. F. Fine. It has formerly been our custom to give to the public an annual and semi-annual fair, or exhibition of the best fruits and flowers grown in the county, which were always well patronized. This we propose to resume and to make the i'utnre better than the past, and we hope to have at your next meeting a better report. REPORT OF BATES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. HENRY ttPEERS, SECRETARY, BUTLER. Mr. L. A. Goodman. Dear sir : Your programmes and kind invitation to be present at St. Joseph, received. I find I cannot come, so I comply with your request as near as I can. You have a list of our members who are heads of families. Our full list contains thirty-five names ; but our live, active membership is much less than that. We have had papers read, and discussions upon a-w^ide range of subjects during the year. " The root borer," ''destruction of canker worm," "codling moth," " varieties of apples for commercial orchards," and *' the future prospect of the peach " being a portion of them ; most of them being published in the local papers. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 247 I trust yoit may have a good meeting and pleasant time and regret it very much tliat I cannot be tiiere. The regiihir monthly meeting of the society was held at the beautiful and commodious farm residence of H. B. Francis, in Homer township, on Saturday last, July 19. The attendance though not large as usual, represented a large number of the townships, and some of the most distant from the place of meeting. J. B. Darand, of Homer township, presided and Squire Innis acted as secretary pro tern. Committee on orchards, insects, small fruits, vegotables and flowers, made their reports, and the society discussed points of interest. Report of the condition of fruit and fruit trees throughout the state of the State Horticultural Society was also read and discussed. A resolution was passed requiring reports of committee in the future to be made in writing and filed with the secretary. Mr. C. I, Robards, of Butler, supplemented his report on small fruits with some very practical hints regarding the varieties, cultivation, etc., and was most successful under his own observation and experience. I. B. Innis' report on vegetables was interesting, and suggestive of many important points con- nected with success in growing vegetables and preserving them from the ravages of the insects. Thos. Irish, of the Mining Review, delivered an address before the society, and a resolution was passed asking that it be published in the newspapers of the county, and that Mr. Irish furnish a copy to each of the papers for that purpose. A paper on flowers, was read by Mrs. H. B. Francis, and on motion was ordered filed and a request made that it also be published. The society is in a flourishing condition and promises much good to the fruit, flower and vegetable interests of this county, and should receive the patronage of all those interested in the upbuilding of horticultural interests in our midst. Tne next regular meeting will be held at the residence of J. B. Durand, Prairie City, on Saturday, August i6th, 1884. All those interested and desiring to become members are invited to be present at the. next meeting. Newspapers of the county are requested to note time and place of the next meeting. Besides the regular business at the next meeting, papers will be read as follows : Injurious insects, E. P. Henry ; condition of apple orchards, Henry Speer ; future prospects of the peach, C. I. Roberts. 24:8 Missouri State Horticultural Society. AN ESSAY KEAD BEFORE THE BATES COUISTTY HOR- TICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 19, 1884. BY MRS. H. B. FRANCIS, OF HOMER TOWNSHIP. Flowers are to the vegetable creation what poetry or music is to the literary world, perhaps not as profitable, but certainly the most beautiful of all things that grow. They are not only pleasing to the eye, but they give out a sweet smelling fragrance that im- parts an agreeable sensation that is indescribable and defies the art of man to imitate. The cultivation of flowers is one of the few labors, as well as pleasures, that improves alike the mind and heart, and makes every true lover of these beautiful creations of infinite love, wiser, purer and nobler, and teaches industry, patience, faith and hope. We plant and sow in hope and patiently wait with faith in the rainbow promise that the harvest shall never fail. It is a pleasure that brings no pain, a sweet without a sour. We gaze upon the beautiful plants and flowers with a delicious comming- ling of admiration and love. They are the offspring of nature, cultivated and improved by our forethought, taste and care, pro- ducing a new, mysterious and glorious creation cherished and ad- mired by all. By cultivation we can add new graces and mould the earth, the sunshine and the rain into matchless beauty, and crystalize the dewdrops into gems of loveliness. Cod doubtless could have made a world without a flower to gild the landscape, but He in his wisdom and goodness did not do so. After creating man in his own image He placed him in a beautiful garden in which was every plant and flower that was pleas- ant to the sight or good for food. When man became a law-breaker he was expelled from the garden and compelled to work for food among the thorns and thistles. In all parts of the civilized world the refinement, innocence and happiness of the people may be measured by the flowers they cultivate. The farm is not a place for stolid drudgery and unthinking toil, but a field for study, thought, research and culture ; a place where not only money but an honorable name may be earned. When this is better under- stood by our American farmers, our young men and maidens will love the occupation of their fathers, and fiowers will adorn every country home. But if the father begrudges wife and children a few dollars and a little labor to make home pleasant and beautiful, he need not be surprised if his children have no love for home. Annual Meeting at St. Josejjh. 249 A few beds and borders surrounded by shells and stones filled with a judicious selection of plants and flowers add a charm of both beauty and fragrance to the home yard and garden. We would not have you understand that we would fill all the space with flowers, not by any means, but that they be not overlooked or forgotten entirely. We also like to see a farmer's home surrounded with a variety of crops and stock. Besides the field products there should be an orchard of standard fruits and a good variety of small fruits and a vegetable garden. To this add a small lot of poultry, and the picture is complete. By a proper use of all these comforts by the housewife, health is secured, want not known, mortgages not needed, and happiness and content is the reward. Below will be found the most interesting portion of the speech of Thos. Irish, of the Rich Hill Mhiing Revieiv, delivered before the Bates County Horticultural Society, July 19th, 1884 : " The amount of money invested in horticultural interests in Bates county is enormous — too much, my friends, to be alloAved to take its chances with the dangers hovering around us. Danger from the elements and from the pestiferous insects that are yearly attracting our eager watchfulness and engaging our labored at- tention ; too much, I say, not to require the fostering care and untired efforts of every interested citizen. In no other way can our aims be attained and our efforts made successful tlum by en- larging the membership and interest of our horticultui'al society. A county with 35,000 enterprising, industrious, educated inhabitants, occupying 576,000 acres of land, and enjoying 9,000 homes, with horticultnrar interests valued at 1450,000, should enjoy a horticultural organization of such respectability and influence as to command respect and attention, not only in our own county,but in every county in this great state ; and to accomplish this and much more it is only necessary that every member become a watchful and useful member, engaging the co-labor of his neighbor in the cause of horticulture, and carefully noting every item of interest that comes under his observation. In this wav, and bv devoting as much time as is possible in researcli and study of leading works, reading the best horticultural journals and proceedings of state and national associations, can we hope to reach that high and honorable distinction as a society." It will not do for any member of this society to shirk the re- sponsibility of his membership or plead the excuse of want of time or too much business pressing upon him. We have all the time there is, and as to manual labor, when not excessive, it invigorates 250 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the body and arouses the mind, but cannot satisfy its wants ; and therefore, it is recreation — it is real pleasure to go out into the orchard and garden to search for the hidden mvsteries of knowledse. As laborers in the orchard and vineyard, on the farm and in the garden, we must remember in scanning over the jjages of the world's history, that a large portion of those who have shone as stars in the literary world or illuminated the path of scientific knowledge ; who have been the benefactors of their race, the mas- ter-spirits of their age, have been toilers, born in obscurity, reared in poverty, and obliged to work for a livelihood, This is no time or place to i^lead too much work. This is an age of invention and investigation, and it is the working man that is to-day accomplishing the most good in the world. It is to him we are looking to unveil the hidden mysteries of science. To-day *'we have men w^ho labor at the anvil, and follow the plow, wear the basket and tend the loom, and yet have strength and time to imi^rove their race, to send forth strains which elevate and purify and find a response in every soul. We have philosophers, statesmen and orators eloquent from among the working classes, who far outstrip men borne in influence, and who make stndy the business of life.'' It is for the very reason that we are engaged in the gardens of our homes, for the very reason that we sow the seed, and plant the tree, and dig up the gronnd, that we are capable of accomplishing more for the cause of horticulture than the man who makes study the b.usiness of life. It is indeed n pleasure to study the science of entomologj^, to examine the progress made in natural history during the past centuries ; to read the workg of Aristotle, Linnaeus, DeGeer and Fabricins, and to know how under the more extended research of Avriters of our own, day, the number of insects knowm and described has prodigiously increased ; yet it is more real satis- faction to watch the develoj)ment of these varied insects, watch the natural changes they undergo, changes from one class of insect life to that of another, and group them together in their different orders ; to actually observe the stages in life at which they do their mischief ; liow^ to protect against their depredations, and when they can be most easily destroyed. In this way the working man has the advantage of the theorist and the mere classical student, who wearies of continued mental effort, whose mind is weakened, and who fails to realize in a truly practical way the living, moving world, living apart as he does from its active scenes. The working man gives example as well as precej)t to the Avorld. He is in it, and of it, and can make himself felt by it in a manner the theorist cannot. Ajinual Meeting at St. Joseph, 251 The anxiety aud the sweat of labor the horticulturist under- goes in his earnest endeavor to make home surroundings pleasant and healthful, to furnish his talJe with food delicate and whole- some, to have the best of everything that grows in tl^e natural or cultivated world, makes more of him, makes him more original, gives a naturalness to his thoughts and ideas, and they come forth with a force they could not have done if first anal3rzed by a critic's head. His ideas are as flowers fresh from beside Ihe hedgerow, fragrant and blooming ; not flowers taken apart and torn by the botanist. The trials, disappointments and suffering the horticul- turist has met and overcome, have fitted him to help others. The ordinary farmer and stock raiser does not accomplish much without work. There is labor at every turn of the wheel and every corner of the ranche, but to the man who adds to this the care of an orchard and a garden, it would seem his work, like the work of our own dear wives, was never done. It is one unceasing season of watchin-g, pruning and digging. But what we want as members of this society, is a reward for all our labors ; we want to see the tree extend its branches and bear fruit ; we want to see the vines cling to the wall and roses blossom. Then, friends, we must work ; work in season and out of season ; work with our eyes, our minds and our hands, and let otliers see what we can accomplish by our diligent, systematic, united, intelligent work. We will not be ashamed of our labors, for as the world advances, its workers will- take a higher position — the dignity of labor will become more apparent. EEPORT OF JASPER COUjSTTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. BENNETT HALL, SECKETARY, CARTHAGE, The above named society has twenty members and has held monthly meetings the past year with a fair attendance, except during the summer months. Some of our meetings have been very interesting, as we have had a question to discuss at each meeting. The crops of fruit have been light. Apples and pears one-half of a crop, peaches and grapes one-third of a c^op and strawberries and raspberries a full crop. There was a large number of fruit 252 Missouri State Horticultwal Society. trees planted last spring, also this fall, and the acreage of raspberries and strawberries has been largely increased. Fruit trees of all kinds go into winter quarters in good condition, giving promise of good crops for the coming year, which we are all anxious to see. REPOET OF BUCHANAN COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. JACOB MADINGEK, SECKETARY, ST. JOSEPH. To the Officers and Members of the Missouri State Horticultural Society : I can make no flattering report from Buchanan County this season. In the spring the outlook was promising indeed, but from a combination of unknown causes fruit returns were poor. Our apple trees bloomed and set very full m the spring ; but on some trees in many localities the apples did not grow, seeming stunted and unfit for shipping purposes. The greater portion was made into cider or was wasted. The growth of the trees was in no way natural or healthy. The Winesap, Janet, and several varie- ties were most injured. The Ben. .Davis, Baldwin, Missouri Pippin, Willow Twig, Romanite, Rambo, Red Astrachan and Rhode Island Greening, bearing much better. Although this shortage caused the amount shipped from this county to be below the average, nevertheless, it amounted to about one hundred thousand barrels, prices ranging from 75 cents to $1.25 per barrel, for winter fruit. The peai's also bloomed and set full, and early in the season the outlook never was better for a large harvest : but they dropped badly, leaving not more than a quarter of a crop to rij^en in a saleable condition. Our peaches were easily gatliered, the crop being a complete failure. Many of the tree tops were winter killed. Young trees have made a good growth, and promise to do better next year. Tlie cherries were generally good and over an average yield can be reported. The Early Richmond and Morello doing better than other varieties. The Wild Goose and Miner plums did well, and had not the curculio destroyed Ih em other varieties wonld have had an equal show. Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 253 The outlook for a large and perfect yield of twenty-five or more of our tried varieties of grapes was never better than in the spring of 1884. In July they began to show rot. Afterw^ards we thought to escape it ; but we were badly mistaken. By the end of August the rot recommenced and in some places a few days told the whole story of destruction. In some localities a man w'ould lose all and his neighbor three or four hundred yards distant would have a re- markably fine crop. It affected not only one variety, but all seemed to suffer alike. It seems evident to my observations that vineyards sloping to the east suflEer the most. In small fruits we had a good crop of strawberries generally. The first picking of raspberries was firm and in good condition, but afterwards they became seedy and dry ; their season was short. The blackberries blossomed full, and gave abundant promise ; but when gathering time came, parties who had two acres or more of vines were fortunate to have enough for their own family use. In other words they Avere very nearly an entire failure. The present outlook for a prosperous fruit year in 1885 is good ; the wood has ripened well, and the buds are in excellent condition to go into winter quarters. Buchanan county fruit raisers in general anticipate a much better report for next year. KEPOKT OF JHE MILLER COUNTY HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. BY N. J. SHEPHEED, ELDON, MO. Mr. L. A. Goodman, Secretary Missouri State Horticultural So- ciety. Not being, able to be present at the meeting of the State So- ciety, at St. Joe, September 11th, I send you a report of Miller county. We had no peaches, they being entirely killed last winter. Trees were not seriously injured but the fruit all killed. Apples blossomed out well and gave promise of an abundant crop, but as the apples began to form and until they were of con- siderable size they continued to drop off, until the croj) when ri- pened fell considerably below the average. Taking the county over I think sixty per cent, will be as much as it will average, ::i54 Missouri State Horticiiltnral Society. Although the crop was a liglit one, prices ruled low ; summer apples retailing at twonty-nve cents per bushel, and good winter varieties, hand picked are selling for thirt3'-five and forty cents. So far as I have seen the Winesap were the best apjjies in market. Gi-enitons sold the most but were generaly knotty, but of good size. Pears were only fair, some trees failing to bear entirely. Chen'ies were about eighty-five per cent. Grrapes were good. No blackberries. Plenty of strawberries where there were beds. Wilson and Monarch of the West yielding best. Gooseberries were plenty, a full crop. No raspberries to speak of. More fruit trees than usual have been sold through the county this fall. There have been three large deliveries from three separate nurseries. Farmers are paying more attention to fruit than before. One farmer who purchased a good sized evaporator sold all his apples at seven cents per pound, wliile dried apples, the best were sold at four cents, while poor, dark colored fruit sold as low as three cents ; hardly paying for the work. REPORT OF THE GENTRY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. -. SECRETARY, ALBANY, Mr. L. A. Goodman, Secretary. Dear sir : In reply to your request for reports upon the horticulture of the various counties of the State, I will say for Gentry county, that her fruit industry has had a very gradual growth ; beginning with a few small apple orchards, put out by the early settlers, which have increased in size and numbers until now we have orchards upon nearly every farm, some of them numbering a thousand trees, and we not only meet all home demands but an- imally export large quantities of apples into southern Iowa and elsewhere, at good prices. This year many thousand bushels were shipped out at from thirty to fifty cents per bushel. In common with all northwest Missouri, apples are a grand success here, trees with ordinary care making vigorous growth, and Annual Meeting at St. Josei^li. 255 bearing prolific crops of choice fruit. Tlie leading varieties are Raoul's Janet, Ben Davis and Wmesap, while nearly all other va- rieties are represented. Pears are successful under favorable conditions ; when the trees stand in cultivated ground, so situated that it is fairly drained, they are thrifty and bear good crops. The Moreilo cherries are at home here. The conditions are not favorable to peaches in all i)arts of G.entry county, though m some localities they grow vigorously, and give a crop every two years or oftener. Plums of the native varieties are a never failing crop, though the Wild Goose is more less damaged by the curculio, but the Miner seems to withstand the "little turk" successfully and is gaily laden with all the fruit the limbs can hold up, and often with more. It is a pity that every farm does not have at least one Miner plum, though the start is well made in Gentry. Of the small fruits, grapes succeed as well as one could wish, and the same of the blackberry, and Black Cap raspberry ; the Red raspberry withstands the winter only fairly well, unless cov-- ered with earth, Hudson River fashion ; my Turner, Cuthberts :ind others were so covered last winter and bore heavily this year, though failing to do so after much milder winters ; it is so little trouble to bend down the vines and throw a fcAV inches of earth over them, that the wonder is that growers do not always practice it. ■ Strawberries and currants grow vigorously and bear prolificly. the latter doing better with a little shade — as say :i fence on the west. And yet the fruit business here, as in all Northwest Missouri, is but in its infancy. • Few, if any of ns can comjjrehend the vast market for all the fruit that can be raised here, which is rapidly opening up in that grand extent of country now being so speedily settled at the northwest, a magnificent empire within itself, but beyond the fruit line. We need in Gentry county as in all Northwest Missoui'i more nurseries : farmers distrust agents, but buy trees where tiiey see them for sale neal- their homes. Every coimty seat or railroad crossing alfords an opportunity for a nursery business that should be taken advantage of by some one, and here in Gentry we have more than on.e such an opening. 256 Missouri State Horticultural Society. EEPOKT OF EXHIBIT AT WOELD'S FAIR, JAN. 14, 1885. The committee appoiuted to make the exhibit at the World's Fair, began packing the fruit (in cold storage) for shipment to New Orleans on Dec. 39, 1884, and were kept busy all that week sorting and siiipping the fruit. Some of the fruit had kept in good condition, but some varie- • ties were lost. We found twenty barrels of fine specimens and packed them in barrels lined with paper and every specimen well wrapped in paper. With about twenty other barrels of specimens furnished by our members, they were taken to the freight depot of the K. C. S. & M. R. R. on Jan. 3, 1885, and put into a refrigerator car, kindly furnished by the Ft. Scott railroad, and taken free to New Orleans. They arrived there in good condition on the 9th and were soon on the tables, in Horticultural Hall. The exliibit was one ever to be remembered. There were ten tables six feet wide and one hundred and fifty feet long, completely filled with fruit from the states of Central America on the south to Canada on the north ; from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; from across tlie ocean — Russia, France, Italy and England. Fruits of all kinds and from many places — from the luscious oranges of the south to the little crab apple of the north ; lemons, bananas, oranges, cocoanuts, persimmons, apples, pears, peaches and plums. A place to study, to learn and to enjoy. A sight to be seen once in a life-time and well worthy the study of every horticul- turist. How jjlainly is there to be seen where peculiar varieties are successful. The Ben Davis, so valuable here, when grown in the north or far east seems to be worthless to us and I do not wonder that they call it such a poor aj^ple. Notably are some of the southern apples attracting our attention, as well also many seedlings of our own ; and it is my opinion that these are to be most valuable for our state. Here we will yet get our best and most profitable apples. One instance I will mention. A valuable apple seedling from Lewis county was prized by all who saw it and tested it, at our St. Joe meetings, where it ^ook the premium as the best . seedling. Tlie apple is called the Rankin, and was obtained from Mr. Kirshbaura, of Tolona, Mo., and is a seedling grown by Mr. Ran- kin. Another is Loy's seedling which I found in Howell county, a Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 257 fine large likely apple resembling the Willow Twig, but much better in quality. This apple took the premium for the best new apple (over thirteen competitors) at the World's Fair, and I believe will be of great value to us. Our success in the competitions was beyoud our expectation. We have taken one gold medal and four silver medals and 1495 in money (if we get it.) THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF THE PREMIUMS TAKEX BY OUR STATE FOR APPLES GROWN" WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, SOUTH OF PARALLEL FORTY DEGREES. 1G9 Best and largest collection, not exceeding 200 va- rieties, by auv Horticultural Society. Gold Medal. $200 00 170 Best collection, 100 varieties, do ... . Silver Medal. 100 00 173 Best collection, 50 varieties, do ... . Silver Medal. 75 00 180 Best plate from most ancient trees. . Silver Medal. 10 00 Best plate of either of the following varieties : 183 Broadwell • 5 00 186 Cannon Pearmain 5 00 193 Esopus Spitzenburg 5 00 196 Grimes' Golden ' 5 00 200 Huntsman 5 00 202 Jonathan 5 00 205 Lady 5 00 208 Maidens' Blush 5 00 209 Mother 5 OO 210 May (of Myers) 5 00 211 Missouri , 5 00 214 Ortley 5 00 215 Porter • • . 5 00 216 Pryor's Eed 5 00 217 Paradise Winter Sweet . 5 00 218 Rome Beauty 5 00 222 Rawle's Janet 5 00 224 Rhode Island Greening 5 00 231 Tallman Sweet • 5 00 233 Winesap 5 00 236 White Pippin 5 00 238 York Imperial 5 00 245 Best New Autumn variety, not generally introduced . 10 00 246 Best New Winter variety, not generally introduced . 10 00 Nearly everything we entered for we took, and Missouri has not only taken the sweepstakes but mor^ premiums in number than any other state or society. 258 Missouri State Horticultural Society. The meeting of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society was a success as usual, and the forth-coming volume will be of great value. The World's Fair is a success beyond comparison as a great show, I will not enter into the distinct merits of it, or discuss it here, but would advise every one who can afford it to go and see. I would not lengthen this condensed report, but must acknowl- edge our indebtedness to the Kansas City Cold Storage Company, corner of 4th street and Grand Avenue, for their valuable help in keeping our fruits for this exhibit ; for without their help we would have failed in our object. As a place to keep fruits we cannot speak to highly. Also again to the K. C. S. & M. Eailroad for their valuable assistance in sending our apples through in such good condition and on such good time, and without charge to us. Also, our state society acknowledges itself powerless to have done this but for the valuable assistance of the Missouri Valley Horticultural Society, Bates County Society, Holt and Jasper County Societies, Greene County Society, and of all the members who have so nobly helped us in this exhibit. • Our State is certainly in debt to us for this work and now we are asking the State to refund the amount of moijey spent in making this fruit display, and do not doubt but that she will be liberal enough to return it to us. Whatever of honor or glory Missouri has gained, the state certainly owes to the State Society the suc- cess of the exhibit. We began this work last August and have been continuously at it to make it a success. I am safe in saying that no other part or interest of the State has been so well represented as has the fruit department. With Missouri as a center, and as a leader in this great enter- prise, we find the other premiums have been taken by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Kansas, and it is acknowledged by all that we are in the center of the apple growing country of the United States. • L. A. j:>OODMAN, Secretary. OTHER PAPERS. HOETICULTURAL OUTLOOK. BY G. F. ESPENLAUB, Had I attempted to describe in this paper the fruit prospect about the first of May, I could have drawn a much brighter pic- ture for the horticulturist than I can now. Apple, cherry and plum trees had bloomed so full that it caused one to speculate how and where everything could be worked off and and disposed of to the best advantage. It didn't worry any one much where to market his peaches, or where we should get boxes to market them in. Jack Frost's icy fingers did all that for us last winter when he had nothing else to do. But notwithstanding the thermometer fell to from twenty-four to twenty- eight degrees below zero, the cherry trees, sweet and sour, also all the plums, tender as well as hardy kinds, came out- in one solid mass of bloom, and although they got caught in a severe snow storm, while in bloom, they seemed to come out uninjured. But sometime, about the second week in May, a storm (probably an electric) swept over the country and blighted the hopes of the fruit grower, the foliage crimped up as if it was struck by a severe mil- dew. The apples are more or less covered with this mildewy appearance, which retards their growth so that good and smooth apples are going to be scarce, and the cider maker will be kept busier than the shipper. There are neighborhoods where apples are a good crop and of good quality and the trees look healthy, while sometimes not a half a mile distant trees look like they could hardly live through the summer, showing that this storm, like most storms, 'Went in streaks or waves. The varieties most affected are McAfee, Lanover, Red June, Cooper's Early White, Missouri Pippin and Wine Sap. The same storm destroyed the greater part of the cherry crop in some localities, while in others it was unusu- ally large. The strawberries and raspberries had a splendid season to ripen their crops, as the season was all that could be desired. 260 Missouri State Horticulticral Society. Blackberries that are reasonably free from rust are bearing a full crop ; this is once more they did not get killed by the severe winter, when peaches did. Plums are promising from one-third to one-half of a crop, the Lombard being in the lead. Grapes are looking fine and promise a paying crop. The wood growth of the peach is very good, after so hard a winter that killed some trees, root and brancli. Taking it all into consideration, from low j^'ices for small fruits already disposed of, the jDoor apple crop, with no peaches, the horticulturist may justly wish for better times in the near future. HOW SHALL THE HORTICULTURALIST MAINTAIN THE FERTILITY OF THE SOIL. [read before the MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, MARCH MEETING, 1884.] The earth, in its virgin state, before being tickled by man with the plow and hoe, contains all the elements necessary for the proper growth and perfection of grain, fruits and grasses for the susten- ance of man and beast. Plant food is comjDosed of twelve elements. Four of these elements are gases, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. When a plant or animal is burned the gases are driven off. The ashes which remain are composed of potash, soda, lime and magnesia, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, chlorine and silica. In other words the food of plants is composed of four organic or gaseous elements and eight inorganic or mineral elements, of which four have acid and four have alkaline properties. All agricultural ph.nts and all animals, man included, are composed of these twelve elements. All soils on which plants grow contain more or less plant food. A plant cannot create an atom of potash. It cannot get it from the atmosphere. We find potash in the plant and we know it got it from the soil, and we are certain, therefore, that the soil contains potash, and so of all the other elements of plants. When our new lands are first broken they are rich in this plant food, hence we see the rapid growth and large yield of croj^s. After a few years of slip shod cultivation, our crops of grain and fruits become smaller, and we hear the complaint that the land is worn Uthei' Pa'pers. 261 out, whicli strictly speaking, is not true. It is only the exhaustion of the accumulated jjlant food in the soil. It is not available, it lies dormant and inert in the soil beneath. It, therefore, needs deeper plowing and subsoiling, thorough cultivation and pulver- izing. Then the plant food becomes available. The roots of the plants come in contact with this food and a strong, vigorous growth IS tlie result. It is a fact that a soil may contain enough plant food to produce a thousand large crops, and yet the crops we obtain from it will hardly pay for cultivation. The plant food is there, but the plants cannot get at it. It is not in an available condition, it is not soluble. A case is quoted by Professor Johnson, where a soil contained, when analyzed to the deiDth of one foot, 46.52 per cent, of nitrogen to the acre, but only sixty-three per cent, of this was in an available condition. And this is equally true of phosphoric acid potash and the other elements of plant food. No matter how much plant food there may be in the soil the only portion that is of any immediate value is the small amount that is annually available for the growing crops. There are two kinds of fertilizers, natural or artificial. Now anything that will furnish this food, anything that will cause the soil to produce what the climate of season is capable of producing, is a good fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash are the most valuable in- gredients in manure. How to keep up the fertility of our apple and peach orchards is now becoming an important question and is attracting consider- able attention. There are two methods generally recommended, I dare not say generally practiced. The one is to keep the orchard in bare fallow, the other to keep it in grass and top dress with manure, and either eat the grass off with sheep and pigs, or else mow it frequently and let the grass rot on the surface for mulch and manure. This, of course, applies only to bearing orcliards. When we apply manure to our orchards the ammonia phosphoric acid potash are largely retained in the first few inches of surface soil and the deeper roots get hold of only those portions which leach through the upper layer of earth. Nitric acid, however, is easily washed down into the subsoil and would soon reach all the roots of the trees. I therefore recommend for orchards plenty of barnyard manure, leached ashes and lime. My personal exper- ience with fertilizers is rather limited but from the results I am en- couraged to give them a still further trial. In the spring of 1882 I used two hundred pounds of dried blood from the packing house iit the rate of about three hundred pounds per acre sowed broad- 262 Missouri State Horticultural Society. cast between the matted rows just after the plants were uncovered in the spring (none on the plants) and raked in with a garden rake. The result was very perceivable in the strong vigorous growth of the plants and about one-fourth increase in fruit. In the spring of 1883 I used it again on a three-year-old bed of downings at the rate of a little over four hundred pounds per acre. This time broadcast over the plants and none between the rows. The rains dissolved it and washed it down among the roots of the plants. There was this time also a strong plant growth, and a much better yield of fruit from this old bed of downings, then three-year-old, than from same variety one year old ; whether the fertilizer was the cause or not I am unable to positively say, but suspect it was. I made a second application on three rows in the center of same bed, same amount as at first, about the time the last blooms were out. This brought nearly all the berries up to a good size, and the plants still showed a very strong growth, which was plainly visible when I covered them at the beginning of the winter. I have been groping in the dark — feeling my way — all for the lack of a chemical analysis of the blood. We know that the strawberry needs nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. We also know the blood contains these elements, but in what quantities of each we are ignorant, lience we have to be cautious in its use until we find out by experience or analysis how much to use ; every agricul- turist and horticulturist should be sufficiently skilled in chemistry to analyze his own soil. We want better educated farmers, hence the importance of giving more encouragement to our agricultural colleges. I would say use the dry blood for your vegetables, flower beds, strawberries, raspberries and small fruits. Plow raspberries early in spring, pulverize the ground well, sow broadcast and cultivate in with small tooth cultivator or harrow, and also sprinkle around the stools. Before I close this bloody chapter I will relate an incident that occurred at our place last spring. The women folks wishing to try an experiment with the blood, made a secret raid on my barrel ; the result was a very strong, rich growth of plants and an abundance of fine blooms, especially geraniums. They attracted my attention and I asked the cause, the reply was they had been using my dried blood as a fertilizer. I guess if the experiment had not been a success I would never have known it. In conclusion, I would suggest that this society employ an expert chemist to analyze this dry blood and see what it contains, so we can all use it under- standingly. W. M. HOPKINS. OtJiei' Papers. 263 CULTIVATING, MULCHING OR SEEDING OUR OR- CHARDS. [paper read before the MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, MARCH, 1884, BY J. A. DURKES.] Nature is a productive agent recovering her exhausted powers quickly in her own well-appointed ways ; but to man's creative genius it has been given to assist her in producing those fruits his wishes may dictate. Thus the apple tree, left to itself bears to such an extent, that it requires one season, often two, of rest, to enable it to form buds again, for fruiting, making what we term the full and off years of bearing. Here we come to the aid of the natural resources of our trees by judicious pruning, thinning out the surplus fruit, manuring and a 'good state of cultivation, fair annual crops may be obtained. The apple tree needs plenty of food and good tillage, varied in their application. If the tree stands in a grassy plot, how soon will the condition of its fruit and growth respond to a complete turning over and deep spading under of the sod ? A top dressing of ashes or lime and manure, covered with straw or coarse litter of any kind to act as a mulch, would give the same results, but not so speedy. This leads us to the points of the subject before us — culti- vating, or seeding, or mulching our orchards. We give preference to neither method ; all are good and useful taken as a whole or in part. They become necessary for the invigoration of our trees. For the first four or six years after planting an orchard the ground should be kept in a good state of tillage. Where it is not prac- ticable to plow the spade should be used to turn the soil, in a circle as far as the limbs of the tree extend. When this work is done — but once in a season — fall is to be preferred. After this period the ground may be seeded in grass and clover a few years and j^astured by swine, their droppings making a splendid manure, and their occasional rooting over the sod in search of plant roots, insects and the like, eating up all wormy and defective fruit, all known to be very beneficial. Trees planted in soil very rich should .never be stimulated much, an earlier checking of the wood growth is desirable where fruit is the object, among these a full growth of grass may be per- 264 Missouri State Horticultural Society. mitted for hogs and pasture afterwards, during the season. From the higher and poorer soils not a spear of clover (which is by far the best for such localities), should be removed from the ground. Every limb and twig that is pruned from the trees should be left to rot upon the ground ; to do this that they be not in the way cut them a foot or two in length, placing them in the open spaces ; here they will aid in holding every leaf, weed and grass, which serve in their decay, as a mulch and fertilizer for the soil. An orchardist, in planting some hundreds of apple trees upon a high ridge where every particle of loamy soul had worn away, claimed that he would astonish all with the fine fruit he would grow there — by thickly strewing the ground with decaying wood, and plenty of lime from year to year, though this was not carried out to the letter. The trees were very healthy and productive. In this case the rotting of the wood formed a good mulch aud ferti- lizer. The cracking of many varieties of apples (those especially late in growth and ripening) caused by drouth checking the flow of the sap — maturing the fruit prematurely — which, by the fall rains be- ing forced into renewed growth, expanding the pulp cells of the apple more rapidly than those of the skin — could be remedied by a good mulching applied before the soil had become entirely dry. In orchards planted on hillsides — seeding in grass and clover becomes indispensable by cultivation in such situations, to prevent the soil from washing away one space between rows is ploughed. The next left, and so on. These spaces receded the following year, and those left ploughed in turn, mulching after ploughing always, if possible. The result in fruit, borne on trees treated in this manner, though they stand on the steepest hillsides, other- wise untillable, will pay. These three subjects form very important factors to the fruit grower. Mulching in dryer portions of our country becomes the main stay of fruit growing with us during the heated term ; its use is advisable since its action is two fold, holding the moisture aud fertilizer. By culfivation, we bring our trees to that state of cultivation and vigor wherewith to produce those abundant crops we desire. And, lastly, the seeding of tlie ground aids in checking the more rapid growth of wood, bringing the tree to that state in which its vigor is turned into a fruit bearing condition. Other Papers. 265 The manner in which their use can best benefit the fruit grower, the condition of his surroundings will determine. The wants of the soil, and climatic changes must be to him a daily study of dili- gent care. BIRDS m HORTICULTUEE. BY CLARK IliVIXE, OREGOlSr. [This paper was lost and was not found in time to take its place in the last days proceedings of the society, and hence appears here. — Secretary.] One of the most interesting papers read at the recent annual meetina: of the Missouri State Horticultural Society, at St. Joe, was '-'Birds in Horticulture," by Clark Irvine, of Oregon, Holt county. When that great source of all life and light and motion we know of has returned far enough from its winter solstice to dispel and beat back the invader of the north, unlocking all the multi- tudes of streams, lakes, veins of water in earth or air, to re-animate our landscapes and vegetation, and bringing airs from the sweet south stealing and giving odors — countless myriads of little voices set all the air a singing with their glad calls, songs and warblings. Of all tha harbingers of summer with its promises of golden har- vests and luscious fruits and long mellow days these little songsters are the most delightsome, and impart to every conscious heart some of that gladness with which their beautiful little bodies seem fairly bursting. It is only within a few years, comparatively, that their real im- portance in the economy of nature has been estimated. Ignorance in its overbearing self-confidence despises the little. The longer we live and learn the more strongly are we convinced of the truth of certain proverbial expressions we habitually repeat, without really appreciating their literal and immense truth. Thus we repeat with Shakespeare, "Naught so vile upon this earth doth live, but to the earth some special good doth give.^' And we say, '"'Oyes, it's true, ' certainly it's true," and think it sounds very nice, and mean that it is true in some measure, whereas it is ex- actly, literally and importantly true. So true that it may well be suspected were the least and most unimportant thing exterminated, the results might, in time, be tremendous. 266 Missouri State Horticultural Society. A few familiar illustrations will prove how this may be so. I quote from an agricultural report : " It is the custom in some dis- tricts of this country, as soon as the planting is finished and other spring work done on the farm, for all the men, old and young, to assemble with guus, and after choosing sides, as 'tis called, to have a shooting match ; that is, each party tries to kill the greatest number of birds and animals within the circuit of several miles, or the limits of the township or county. Such a match, some years ago, came off in a town of Pennsylvania. The party was numer- ous and the slaughter immense, in fact, nearly amthe birds were killed, and as the migrations had passed, it being the last of May, scarcely a bird was seen in the neighborhood during the whole summer. The result was the cut worms ravaged the cabbage fields, the apple tree caterpillars and borers were so numerous that whole orchards were destroyed, and army worms and injurious insects were so abundant that there was hardly one grainfield that was not damaged to the extent, at least, of one-third the value of the entire crop. N'or were these injuries confined to that year, but many seasons in succession bore witness to the folly and wickedness of that wholesale destruction." Again about the year 1820', in North Bridgewater, Mass., the birds were killed in such quantities that cart loads of them were sold to farmers for fertilizing the soil ! There was then, for some time afterwards, a notable scarcity of birds in all that vicinity. Soon the herbage began to show signs of injury ; tufts of withered grass appeared and spread out widely into circles of a seared and burnt complexion. Though cause and effect were so near together, yet they were' not logically regarded by the inhabitants at that time. Modern entomology, however, would have explained to them the cause of this phenomenon in the increase of the larvse of injurious insects, usually kept in check by the birds which had been destroyed at that shooting match. These are not isolated cases nor even rare instances. Consulting the local newspapers the inquirer will find many cases of similar shooting matches in different sections of the country, with long accounts of the different birds destroyed. In Europe a similar system of extermination prevails. Fred- erick von Tschudi, president of the Agricultural Society of Canton, St. Gall, Switzerland, writes of this practice as follows : " But the cause which more than all others exercises a still more fatal influence on the diminution of our most useful birds of passage, is the extraordinary hunt they are subjected to by the Italians. It is well known that during the spring migration, and still other Papers. 267 more in autumn, Italians are seized with a mania for kill- ing small birds. Men of all ages and conditions, nobles, mer- chants, priests, artisans, peasants, all abandon their daily tasks to attack, like the banditti, the troops of passing visitors. By the river-side, in the fields, all around, is heard the report of fire arms ; nests are laid ; traps are set ; twigs covered with bird lime, hung on every bush. On every hill adapted for the purpose is placed a sort of trap, rocolo, full of owls and sparrow hawks, to attack and slaughter the little strangers. To form some idea of this slaughter, which, for weeks together delights the Italians, suffice it to mention tii;it in one district on Lake Maggiore, the number of little birds yearly destroyed, amounts to between sixty and seventy thousand. In Lombardy, in one single rocolo, 15,- 000 birds are often daily captured. At Bergamo, Brescia, and Yerona several million birds are slaughtered each autumn. We can not prevent the Italians from indulging in this absurd, but barbarous amusement, but we can lessen tlie evil, and it would be consistent with the proverbial good sense of Germans if we were to protect all the bird tribes as solicitously as those people destroy them, and thus, in some degree, try to re-instate the order of nature and preserve the necessary balance between the insect world and its enemies." Doubtless these Italians, wearied somewhat of their long repast- on maccaroni and other dry, farinaceous diet, are eager to replenish their lean larders by a bnxl or two, and at the same time save their equally lean purses. Unfortunately, in some of our American districts, even the farmers to this day encourage their boys to destroy the birds that are traditionally injurious — such as the robin, cat-bird, crow, black- bird, thrush, owls and others, but all of which, as well as many others are essentially beneficial. How to teach such people better is the question ? In my opinion, better than all the speeches and lessons and essays, is a good law well executed. Because laws educate as songs inspire. People will learn that the law exists, and will naturally ask why it was made. Provided, always, that you do not enact too many laws, and make penalties so severe that Juries will refuse to find guilty. For then your law straightway becomes a dead-letter. But that is one of the great evils of American society to-day — law for everything, and when the law is violated the silly legislature provides such penalties that they are never enforced. 268 Missou7'i State Horticultural Society. Who would have suspected that these little winged creatures of the air, are so important to the life of this wondrous being, man, who calls G-od his Father. And yet we may remember, " He saith to the worm, thou art my brother." And, therefore, should we protest against that reckless, thoughtless, selfish pleasure- seeking which pursues its way through the world Avith gun on shoulder, scattering destruction right and left, merely to be tickled childishly, by the power of hitting from afar. Could my pen be pointed with fire, and every letter it forms burned on the naked backs of these trifling "ne'er-do-weels" I would write '^'^from hence- forth '' — to make them smart. Surely there are birds and beasts of prey to occupy the valuable time of these mighty Nimrods, by the destruction of which some benefit might accrue ; and yet of that I am led to doubt. Some time ago, seeing a hawk light in a chicken- yard, I called to the owner of the premises to shoot it. "No," he replied, " that hawk for a steady diet prefers rabbit. He only desires a little variety this morning, and I am willing to spare him a chicken occasionally. Eabbits here are a perfect pest without these hawks." Agriculturists when they know exactly the tariff they must pay, in kind and quantity, and to whom to pay it, may generally make some arrangements for settlement and delivery ; but when the balance in affairs is disturbed, and the chinch-bug immigrates by acres an inch deep into their fields, or locusts in vast atrial fleets and armies by billions on billions come sweej^ing over whole continents they must stand aghast. The very word remedy sounds like a pojJ-gun in a cyclone. Luckily, our troubles of that kind are like angels' visits. One sees that the balance is easily disturbed at times, as in the case just quoted. Usually remedies may be devised in time by perseverance. And more could be done were our horticulturists and others willing to assemble and co-operate. But here is just the difficulty ; they are the last people to do so, and therefore become the prey of the worm and blight not only in field and orchards, but socially and politically. Knowing as we do the vast benefit of birds to farms and orchards, what class of men but farmers would, year after year, patiently submit to see lazy tippling tramps prowl around and over their fields, shooting these little, harmless deliglit- some warblers, whose charming notes strike their slumbering ears of drowsy summer morns, awake them to the joyous day, accompany fchem as they " jocund drive their team afield ; " and are the last lovable solace to the weary plowman as he " homeward plods liis other Papers. 269 way." In sympathy with this feeling, the Scotch plowman broke forth in these ever memorable lines : " Inhuman man ! Curse on thy barbarous art, And blasted be thy murder- aiming eye ; May never pity sooth thee with a sigh, Nor ever pleasure glad thy cruel heart." It is now almost twenty years since the writer removed to his present homestead. The place was then a wild tangle of vines, jimsons, a brush fence, a weedy corn-field and a few apple trees, set there by some predecessor, selected when seven or eight years old in order to get apples the first year. The lay of the jay bird and carrion crow was occasionally heard ; "only that, and nothing more." Trees were put out as rapidly as possible, both shade and fruit ; and the exi)erience has been, the younger the tree, so it does not exceed one year old, the better. Bird boxes were put up, because the writer, recalling his childhood's days and his de- light during that period of nature and innocence, — in his bird- boxes, — was bound that three little shavers who then nightly gath- ered upon his knees would experience a similai' delight, knowing- its wholesome, humanizing effect. The prospect for tree-growing seemed dubious ; for, at that time and for years before, every tree, every spot favorable to them was disfigured by the nests of what are called tent-caterpillars. Every leaf was consumed off most of the trees, and, the leaves being the lungs, the trees would decline and die. The idea of destroying these pests by the usual methods tried seemed in this case hopeless, for every branch of every tree would have its nest of these worms. But the martins and blue-birds had taken possession of the boxes and were warring for supremacy. At first the policy, the foolish policy, of meddling with nature and siding with the martins was begun, but soon wiser counsels prevailed — more boxes were put up and also boxes for the wrens, and nature was thus patted on the back, instead of being knocked in the head, as doctors say should ever be done. Later a similar policy was advised and adopted, when some of our most valuable birds were found too fond of cherries, etc. More trees were planted, cherry trees for the birds alone. The cries and songs and sports of the martins, blues and wrens began to call other birds. A captive red bird was placed in the yard to sing, where he drew others of his splendid tribe, where- upon he was soon released and we have ever since enjoyed the glorious voice of this songster and his descendants, who are known 270 Missouri State Horticultural Society. as the cardinal red-birds. In about three years the notes of some other birds were heard on onr premises and the adjoining farms and orchards. One day in .early June while the trees hung full of their swelling loads of worm nests and people around us were hope- less of doing much in the fruit way on this account, my neighbor, Mr. S. Blanchard, called mv attention to a bird he ^'had seen for the first time, a strange looking bird, which acted stranger still, for,^' said he, "this bird went at a caterpillar's nest, tore it right and left and eat up all the worms. I think," he said, "there are a pair of them.'^ He could give me no idea of the probable name of it, not being much of a bird noticer, but just then he exclaimed, "There is the bird now, see I It is after a nest of worms." That bird was the South Carolina mocker, usually called cat bird. They came in great numbers to stay and the result was that by two years more not one single worm nest could be found in orchard or grove. Nor has there been for fourteen years a nest of the kind on the premises. We know of whole regions so infested with this curse, the tent-caterpillar, that even forest trees are dying out, ajjple trees are protected with difficulty, and yet so great is the stupidity, ignor- ance, and wickedness of " the natives " that were a colony of cat-birds to visit a sour cherry tree there they would be stoned or shot to death by boys hounded on to this suicidal amusement. So much for meanness, ignorance and love of blood, which, like selfishness, acts as a two-edged sword to slay the wieldei-s. In addition to this exemption we have enjoyed the delightful song of this most charming of American songsters — even though interrupted as it is by a most cunning mischievous " me-au " at times. However this is no worse than being at some fine perform- ance and disturbed by the j)ea-nut fiend — no, not half so bad. And, thus encouraging the birds, the cunning delightful little rogue, the wren above all, in no long time we found troops of them of various kinds every year bringing some new variety to our orchards, not new to ornithology, but new to our immediate region. During the first few years there were only those mentioned with the Baltimore and orchard orioles and robins. But as years passed others came ; notably one of the latest is the crimson breasted gross beak, decidedly one of the most beautiful and -charming of all the air. Their note is a delicate warble somewhat like the robin's, but lower and smoother. With his snow white breast splashed with a pure blood red, one might suppose the bird had just been wounded. This description applies to the male ; the female is very like a partridge in color. other Papers. 271 Sitting upon our porch one evening lately, we could not but remark on the wonderful change the past ten or twelve years had made in that respect around us. It occurred to us to note the names of the varieties whose voices we heard during ten minutes before sundown. There were robins, wrens, and jays, martins and blue birds ; fartlier off in the apple trees were orchard and Balti- more orioles, yellow warblers ; through the air were swallows and bee martins chattering and squeaking ; the cardinals and red breasted gross beaks and cat birds kept up unceasingly from the majDles ; from a high old linn came the melodious clucking of a little brown bird and chirping of the indigo. Abont the porch were pee wees and sweet springs (so called). Doves complained and blackbirds scolded over the way. In a wood close by a crow croaked, while from the darker depths a whippoorwill screamed as though in reply to- the clang of a night jay. Warblers and tlirashes and quails sounded from the hed^e close by, while a red head wood- pecker screamed and a yellow one hammered on a fence j)ost. As though crazed by all this confusion, a thrush and some mocking birds that are occasional visitors whistled, yelled, and laughed. In fact within a very few rods of us we counted the voices of twenty-seven different varieties of birds where once all was quiet but for the call of the jay. Speaking of the jay reminds us that here again at the start, we tried to interfere with nature and drive off the jays. The jay has a bad name and people do like to have an excuse for killing something besides the mice. But after thinking it all over and comparing experiences of over fifteen years with neighbors, we conclude the jay is slandered considerably. He will not steal only when he has to — and perhaps he thinks as a trader did, a man must cheat a little to make an honest living. He certainly does not get angry unless insulted, and then we can declare from much watching of him, he gratifies his indignation by getting a company of his followers to jeer and call out the object. Generally one will do most of the villifying, and when satisfied will rise up in the air and all his company with him, calling back in most jeering tones. Instead of being such an infamous robber and air pirate, such a monster as to eat up little ones and tear up homes of others, I can truthfully say that I have never seen it, although a colony has for seventeen years at least lodged just in front of my door and in a tree under which in summer I often sit of afternoons — and this colony, be it remembered, is right in the midst of nests of some twenty to thirty different kinds of birds. 272 Missotiri State Horticultural Society. Those valiant meddlesome little fellows, the wrens, who know- ing themselves to be small as were Napoleon and Alex, the Great, like those warriors, feel the swelling of a mighty spirit within, are more handsome by far. So we long ago concluded that two-thirds of the jay's reputa- tion was due to slander, and one-third was owing to misconduct under the stimulus of supposed wrong and depreciation. Treated like a gentleman he might become a highly respectable chai'acter. Surrounded by a more comfortable society, he might conform to good social usages. The result proves we are right. More reflec- tion came. We found that after all your popular, joetted birds had made their visit and gone ; after your fashionable birds had only spent a few weeks to favor the philoprogenitive principle and recruit exhausted nature in our fresher air, had gone to their Southern homes, why here was the jay still abiding with us. True, he takes his young ones and goes off in the warm summer days. Slanderers used to intimate he takes them off to find booty, plunder, eggs, little birds, etc., but he is soon back with all his brood, laughing and calling over u? during the late autumn and all winter long. Now if a bird is a farmer's friend because he consumes vermin, worms, bugs and the like, what shall be said of one who not only eats the like, but hunts wg the eggs and winter deposits of these miserable vermin and forages all winter long on such stuff' as he finds under bark, or fastened on limbs of trees. Is he not a thousand times a friend, and shall we destroy him because he may mix his diet with a little grain and fruit for his health ? There are more ways than one of looking at some things. So much for birds, and jay birds in particular. To really know the nature, characteristics and habits of birds, one must live much in fields, gardens, orchards and woods ; he must have held long and frequent communings with nature, which is the only life I hold worth living. Yet over large districts the life of the country seems passing away ; the whole desire of our people seems to be for town life. The country lad longs for the village near him ; the villager looks to the county seat as his haven of rest, while the loafer around the court house has an eye on the electric lights and jasper pavements of the city. Fathers of country homes, would you keep your sons there as you should ? Then see to it that the life of the country has more of innocent and wholesome diversion. While your position, if you would use the intellect given to you by the God of nature. other Papers. 273 commands every advantage, you purposely or negligently make the life of the farm one of dry, gloomy, iiopeless slavery. If you would use your wits more in your business as producers, you would make ten times more money, and have to do very much less labor. That is what every man of observation sees ; what the experience of a^ who have tried it proves. Raising grain to sell, paying out :i thousand dollars for machines, and living in a house little better than a hog-pen, taking one or two county newspapers and deeming that a useless expense, wasting at the bungliole while forever catch- ing drops at the spigot ; driving your offspring late and early like slaves, exercising a poor cultivation over hundreds of acres, and never dreaming of giving your children a chance to do anything for themselves on acres appropriated to them, treating your wive.-, yourselves, and all around as mere drudges — must be changed. For- tunately there are even now country homes where the owners have made by steady but easy industry and sound judgment, little Edens — homes where the hearts of the sons and daughters ever will turn — homes that teach us all what the life of the country should be. To the man of really independent soul, how far superior is this life of the woods, fields and orchards to that narrow, artificial one of the town, with its mean ambitions, its envies and strifes about trifles ? How fearful is the responsibility that rests upon us of the towns, who have those depending on us, to nim wlio stands upon his own broad acres, but a pleasing position. He feels himself subject to no danger of ousting. At worst, the very worst, there will be abundance to live upon. He need never hear his own asking for bread. In our once new, but now prematurely old country, life gives no such easy opportunities. Education is no longer a living, it is not even a distinction. Every place is crowded. Thousands upon thousands of able-bodied youths idle more than half their time. Advertise in one of our village weeklies for a clerk or book-keeper, or for any one to hold " a soft place in the shade," or in any gilded serfdom, and your doors are crowded before daybreak. The universal premeditation that now possesses millions of minds is, when shall we make the rush upon the new president for that place,' and what is Cleveland going to do about this thing ? More and more are new places made to accommodate this evil state of things, until, what with cabinets, bureaus, commissions, clerk- ships, secretaryships, attaches, appointees, agents, assistants, collectors, assessors, examiners, referees, etc., until the vocabulaiy 274 Missouri State Horticultural Society. is embarrassed to furnish terms, the treasury to supply funds, and those who do labor are made to groan under the strain of taxation. Great God, how pitiful ! How sickening ! To see strong men with pallid faces and trembling hands begging for the privilege of . service. That, too, in a land where millions of rich acres may yet be had of the railroad comj^anies almost for the asking. To what are we come by our "' educate, educate, or we must parish by our own prosperity ?'" To this universal seeking to evade the work of the fields and orchards, and to much negligent, st^^pid, unskillful agriculture-to "living from dirty hand to dirty mouth." Let us reform. Let us teach our sons and daughters to scorn dependence ; to prefer laboring hard for self to the gay trappings and liveries, uniforms of slaves and menials. And that still the grandest place for man or woman is where the old patriarchs, kings and awfnl fathers of mankind stood — in their own tents, on their own soil. With all our artifices we are making a nation where a few hundred are millionaires ; several hundreds of thousands are their dependents or menials ; other thousands are supernaturally skilled in art, tricks and ti-ades, while millions are crowding the dirty streets of cities, or leading aimless lives in the melancholy tax-ridden, mortgaged country. Legislation 'and monopoly com- bine to make the rural regions still more a waste, dreary and monotonous ; every art is plied to draw the yeoman's few pence and all his senses to the town. What has been, what is, may yet be here. The census proves it. Every year since 1880 this ten- dency has increased most woefully. And yet who does not see that all this sickening strife of town-life is unnatural, unwholesome and contemptible ? What man of an independent soul does not feel how vastly superior is the position of him who can boldly exclaim with Eobbie Burns : " For me, so low I need na bow. For. Lord be thanked, I can plow." SECRETARY'S BUDGET. These clippings are from Gardener's Monthly, Country Gentle- man, Colman's Rural World, Prairie Farmer, Kansas Farmer, Purdy's Fruit Recorder, American Agriculturist, Rural New Yorker, JVew York Tribune, and man}^ others. Where known the credit is given with each article. " L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. The subjects are arranged under the following laeads : Orchards, 1. Small Fruits, 2. Flowers, 3. Marketing, 9. Birds, 12. Receipts for Use, 13. Miscellaneous, 18. Pruning, 10. Manure, 16. Vineyards, 8. Stone Fruits, 5. Vegetables, 7. Ornamentals, 4. Insects, 11. Scientific, 14. Entertaining, 6. Canning, 15. New Things, 17, 27() Missou7'i State Hoi'timdtural Society. ORCHARDS. HOW TO MAKE AN OLD OECHARD BEAR FRUIT. While admiring the dark green and luxuriant groAvth of grass in the orchard, I remarked to Mr. Lewis that nearly all the old or- chards of Herkimer seemed to be dying out, but that his trees were looking unusually well — but did they bear fruit ? He said he found no difficulty as yet in getting good crops. Last year, for instance, when the apple crop in Herkimer w^as almost an entire failure, his orchard, containing perhaps 170 trees, gave him a thousand bushels of apples, and that is about his average crop. But how did he do it ? The secret is worth knowing. Well, said he, '' there is no great secret in the matter. You see I get large yields of grass from this meadow by liquid manuring, but the trees are benefitted by the manures quite as much as the grass, and perhaps more. I feed my grasses and I feed my trees,' and they do not fail me." One great feature in the use of sawdust for absorbing liquid manures, is that it can be spread evenly and is easily broken up in minute particles, and thus becomes more available to the roots of plants and trees. — A. Willard in C. Gentleman. L. H. Baily, one of the large apple growers of Michigan, says he can make more money out of apples at twenty-five cents a bushel than out of wheat at one dollar. Good apples never retail in market as low as twenty-five cents ; tliey are seldom sold at less than forty cents a bushel. At this rate they are worth double the value of wheat, acre by acre, one year with another. Why do not our farmers pay more attention to the orchards? BEST KINDS OF APPLES. Among the 7,000 apple trees a very large number of varieties hr.ve been grown and are still growing, and the results of the ex- periments here have been and are of much value to others, through all the central portion of the State. Twenty-five acres of new orchard were set last year. All the trees are sheltered on the north, west and south sides, with wind-breaks — borders of soft maple trees. Having but a brief tmie to stay after going through the grounds to observe the effect of drainage on the condition of the trees on tlie higher and lower or wetter soils, we put this direct question to Mr. Henry M. Dunlap : "What are the best or rather the most profitable kinds of apples for this region, all Secretary's Budget. 277 things considered, such as hardiness, fruitfulness, quality, etc ? '" His prompt answer was: "For winter apples, Ben Davis, but always to he tvp-grafted on a more hardy stock; and the Willow Twig. Of fall apples we make no account, For summer, Eed Astrachan, Sops of Wine and Keswick Codling." For further south, that is, below Effingham, .Mr. Dunlap names for winter apples, Ben Davis, Rome Beauty and Wine Sap ; and for summer. Red Astrachan and Duchess of Oldenberg. — Prairie Farmer. THE WEALTHY APPLE IK THE NOETHWBST. Editors Country Gentlemais". — I find so many good things in your paper benefiting me practically and mentally, that I feel myself indebted to it. Allow me to comment on some things in the Country Gentleman of July 31st. Peter M. Gideon says that the Wealthy apple is estimated to be worth to Minnesota a million of dollars. My ten years' experience with this tree aud its fruit, induces me to say that I believe it to be worth as much to Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and it will probably prove to be one of the best orchard trees in all the Northern States, Since the Wealthy is getting into the nurseries and orchards so generally, allow me to give a short history of it : About 1865 or 1866 Mr. Gideon, of Excelsior, Minnesota, sent to Mr. Emerson, of Bangor, Maine, for some crab apple seed, for he had tried the common apples and they winter-killed. He received nearly two quarts of seed. He planted the seed, and in five years this one bore a few specimens of apples. At seven years Mr. Gideon was so well pleased with the tree and its fruit, its quantity and its quality, that he took off 400 scions and brought to me, asking me to graft them on the halves, and to send him one-half the trees at one or two years old. I confess that I very reluctantly consented to pay a high price for an unknown seeding. But it was Mr. Gideon's knowledge and faith in the great value of the Wealthy, and his flattering me by saying that he heard that I was an honest man, that induced me to accept his terms. I sent him 1,000 one year trees the next fall, which was, I think, 1875. A few scions had been sent out by Mr. Gideon the winter before (1874). Such is the origin of the Wealthy, which is no doubt a hybrid of crabs and common apples. Mr. Gideon is quite sure of this, for from the seed of the Wealthy he has obtained crab apples. I have a seed- ling of the Wealthy bearing this year, which resembles a very large crab apple. SUEL FOSTER, Muscatine, Iowa. 278 Missouri State Horticultural Society. APPLE ORCHARDS IN ENGLAND. A writer iii Gardening Illustrated gives an account of the management of orchards in Devonshire, a locality more favorable than most others for the success of the apple crop. Screens or other jorotection are important to prevent the fruit from being torn off by gales, and dashed to the ground long before it is ripe enough to gather. A good deep soil, with free, natural or artificial drainage, is essential. A poor and a wet soil causes canker. In artificial drainage the ditches must be cat deep. Top-dressing heavily with manure is regarded as the best remedy for stunted growth and moss on the bark. Gi'azing with sheep or pigs in addition to the top-dressing is recommended, but cattle must be excluded. This English management is very nearly the same as that adopted by the best orchardists in this country. This is nearly identical with the treatment of one of the most profitable orchards in Western New York, planted on a light, deep, rich soil, top- dressed in alternate years, which has yielded in twelve years over 820,000 above all expenses, on eleven acres, and from five hundred trees. FOR SUCCESS IX APPLE ORCHARDING. We must have healthy trees, first of all. Many insect ene- mies are disseminated from the nursery. The trees should be ex- amined before planting, and if infested with the root-louse, dipped in water heated to one hundred to one hundred and fifty degrees. One pound of Paris Green to two hundred gallons of water was also commended for this purpose, and one pound of concentrated lye to two gallons of water for the bark-louse. Better kill infested trees by heroic treatment, even if consigned to the brush-heap, than attempt to make an orchard from such material. Select such var- ieties as have proved reliable in your neighborhood on soil of a sim- ilar character. Autumn planting was preferred, and the strongest roots should be spread out in the direction of the strongest winds. In cold soils plant further apart, for sunshine and warmth ; ni warm soils closer, for shade ; and strong growers further apart than sloAv ones. Young orchards should be cultivated in some hoed crops, except corn, for three or four years. Sow the ground to rye in the fall and plough under in May or June. An application of two or three hundred pounds per acre of bone dust and kainit each 3'ear is advisable ; the latter is unjoleasant for the root-louse. The more you crop an orchard the more manure is required. Hundreds of trees supposed to be winter-killed, are in reality destroyed by ground mice, which have been known to follow roots three feet under- Secretary" s Budget. 279 ground ; poisoned grain put in their burrows was suggested for winter destruction. The speaker found that early apples from nortliern-grown trees ripened later in South Jersey, and winter varieties earlier, till acclimated. The influence of stock on the graft and vice versa is worth attention. Grafts from beai'ing trees of known vigor will fruit earlier than those from young trees in the nursery row, while the latter make a better growth of wood. Such weak-growing sorts as Winesap, Rawles, Janet, Melon, etc., should be top-grafted on straight-grained, easily rifted stocks like Roadstown Pippin. The stock exerts a marked influence on the growth, season of ripen- mg,'size, color and flavor of the fuuit. Harvesting should be done in the cool of the day. Early picking improves the kaepinff quality and late picking the flavor. A second-story room with northern exjiosure, above the influence of cellar, and below that of the roof, proved a desirable storage place. The apples are put in the north side of the room, the windows kept open day and night till severe weather, while all other windows and shutters are closed. In very severe weather the south windows are opened to admit the sunshine to warm the room, and if there is danger of freezing, pails of water are placed in the coldest parts and renewed as needed. The room should not be opened in damp weather. In this way he has, year after year, kept apples, frequently till May, with a loss of less than five per cent, and never exceeding fifteen per cent. — ]\\ Y. Tribune. SHEEP IN THE ORCHARD. We came along to where the stumps of an old osage hedge were sticking up a little above the surface of the ground. There was not a green sprout about them. " How did you get rid of this so effectually?" A^as the question. "Cut it off at the roots in August, trimmed out the wood large enough for fuel, piled the branches along the hedge row and when dry, and the wind in the right direction, fired them. Sprouts started up in the spring, but the sheep ate them ott'. The second" spring (1884) they suckered a little, but the sheep have finished them. They will give us no more trouble." Then came a talk about sheep vs. hogs in the orchard. . The former are preferred. They do not root up the ground ; they clear out a great variety of weeds ; they " syste- matically " go over the orchard and pick up the apples that drop early, thus destroying large numbers of worms. Hogs will take the best apples and leave the wormy ones. Sheep will keep down the root sprouts from cherry trees on Morello stocks. But there is 280 Missouri State Horticultural Society. a difference in sheep. The Merinos will not do at all. They browse too much ; the lower branches of trees are never safe with them. Any of the long wools are preferable. Two good Cots- wolds to the acre will keep an orchard in good shape."' — P. F. Few people have any real idea of the value of the apple crop in Missouri in a good fruit season. A report of apples shipped from Platte county last fall, just published, shows that 40,671 barrels were shipped from the various raih-oad stations in that county. The average price paid was two dollars per barrel, or $81,342. The orchards of Platte are nothing unusual. Those of Buchanan county probably yielded fruit to the value of $200,000 or more; in Andrew county to the value of about $200,000 Was shipped ; Holt county did not ship less than 1150,000, and Nodaway county quite as much. Jackson county sent away $200,000 worth and marketed about as much more in Kansas City. There is no doubt that if full returns could be had they would show that the apple crop of Missouri, last year, was worth several millions of dollars. LOW GROUND ORCHARDS. Dr. Sanborn, horticultural editor of the Farm and Fruit Groiver, Anna, 111., announces himself a convert to Mr. B. F. John- son's theory, which Mr. J. has frequently advocated in the Prairie Farmer, that low prairie ground is best for orchards. Mr. Sanborn says : " We have seen quite enough at home to convince us of the general truthfulness of the 'low ground' side of the question, for the apple, pear, and quince at least. ORIGIN OF THE APPLE. Our cultivated apples undoubtedly sprang from two distinct species of plants, one the Pyrus Malus, the panent of our ordinary large apples, the other Pyrus prunifolia, the Siberian crab apple. Our large crab apples, as Transcendants, etc., are supposed to be crosses between the two. The original home of the apple tree, Pyrux Malus, is a matter of uncertamty. Wild apples are common in southern Europe, and they are re- garded by many as the original, uncultivated species. Two sorts of wild apples are recognized by European botanists, one characterized chiefly by smooth leaves, the other by woolly or pubescent leave^. De Candolle, the latest authority on the origin of cultivated plants, is not convinced that the wild apples of Europe represent the original species ; he doubts if they are any more than cultivated apples run wild. This author regards thatj^art of Persia extending Secretary's Budget. 281 from Trebizonde to Gliilan as the most probable home of the apple, although he thinks it quite possible, if indeed, not probable, that the species originally existed also towards the eastern part of Europe. There is little doubt but that the apple was widely known throughout Europe previous to the records of the Greeks or Romans. It was probably brought to Europe with the early Aryan migrations. The name apple is itself a history of the fruit. The root of the \yord is nearly the same in all the ancient oriental languages, and from those languages, instead of the more modern Latin or other Euroj^ean tongues, our word is evidently derived. Says Dr. Prior : "This was, apparently, tlie only fruit with which our ancestors were acquainted before they came into Europe ; for, with the exception of a few wild berries and the hazel nut, it is the only one for which we have a name that is not derived from the Latin or French. It seems to have accompanied them on a northern route from the western spur of the Himalayan Mountains." Dried and carbonized pieces of apples are found in the pre-historic lake dwellings of Switzerland, and in some instances they appear to belong to an age earlier than that in which metals were used. It is possible that these pieces of apples were derived from wild crabs, although collateral evidence points to a different origin. They probably represent the earliest stages of apple culture in Europe. Much later the Romans cultivated the fruit, and Pliny mentions twenty-two varieties grown in his time. Many, and perhaps all, of these varieties were inferior. Pliny asserts that some sorts were so sour as to turn the edge of a knife. — Ex. LOCATION" OF ORCHAKDS. Orchards on high lands, or on slopes, or on slopes and ridges, suffering for moisture, can not be removed to low lands, nor can they be irrigated, except at an enormous expense. What then can be done ? In the first place, the annual rainfall can be held to the space it falls ujDon, under the tree, by the throwing up a furrow or ridge around it, as far out as the limbs extend, where the ground is level, and by a dam on the lower side, when the ground slopes. The latter could also be made to stay a portion of the rain falling on the higher ground above. Further : a general system of mulch- ing ought to be adopted ; not for the purpose alone of keeping the surface moist, but also for supplying food to the roots as the mulch decays. If the orchard is in grass, clover, or weeds, they should be mowed at least twice a year, the burden suffered to lie on the ground and rot, or be thrown under the trees. After pruning, the wood removed should either be left where it falls, or piled in heaps 282 Missouri State Horticultural Society. about the orchard and suffered to rot as in the " hammock" land orange groves of Florida, where the under brush and extra timber is rarely burned, but piled in heaps to rot away. If it is desirable to bring barren trees into bearing, or to rescue from decay and death those in an unhealthy state, meas- ures of a more radical and expensive character must be taken, measures similar to those which have been practiced for centuries with the grape vine, with complete success. These measures consist either in removing the earth under the trees and putting new and fresh earth in its place, as practiced with orange trees in Louisian;i. and on the coffee plantations in the tropics, or in digging a deep and wide ditch around the tree, inside the outer diameter of. the branches, and i-efilling it with near half the earth removed and half such mineral fertilizers and amendments as tree leaves and refuse decaying vegetable matter of any sort for the other half. But nothing more than a general outline of the course to be' pursued, can be indicated here ; and nothing more is necessary for the intelligent amateur, fruit-grower, or orchardist, who feels the strength of the proof, and accepts the situation. In these latter days most of the diseases which afflict humanity are believed to be attributable to improper nutrition and faulty hygiene, and are relieved or cured by a more or less radical change in food and habit. In the animal world, the truth appears in a still stronger light ; while in the vegetable kingdom, nutrition counts for almost everything. Still, in the case of the peach yellows and pear blight, both appear, on first sight, to be distinct diseases, neither yielding to any remedy yet applied to them, and both being attended with the present fashionable bacteria, which are made responsible for many diseases and all epidemics. But has anybody yet made the experiment whether water supplied copiously to the spare and thin roots of the pear will or will not jirevent the blight, or tried the same thing with the peach ? We all know the gigantic and ven- erable pear trees of the Wabash and Kaskaskia country were planted on the sandy second bottoms of the rivers named, where in their early youth, if not in their mature age, water was always within easy reach of their roots ; and we have seen the item in the agricnltural papers telling how one experimenter at least, has saved his pear trees from blight by copious watering. The prairie and timber country both are drying out and losing soil moisture very much faster than we have any conception of. Situations where moisture in the soil was abundant enough for all Secretary's Budget. . 283 crop purposes twenty-five years ago, suffered quickly after a brief drought now, and would be benefitted by irrigation where it would have been injurious fifty years before. Beside, we have borrowed many of our ideas from the fruit-growing experiences of the easi, and they from the cooler and moister countries of Europe. And in that way the amount of right teaching has been too attenuated, until it is in many respects practically worthless. — B. F. J. in Prairie Farmer. A. E. Whitney, of Franklin Grove, 111., has an orchard of one hundred and seventy acres of apple tiees (according to the Frairi.' Farnier) and he bus an expecUition that this year his crop will reach 18,000 bushels. Upon seeing a statement of this fact the Countrij Gentleinan is lead to remark : "This orchard is larger than the famous Chapin orchard, of East Bloomfield, IS^. Y., which occupies about one hundred and twenty-five acres, but not neavly so large as that of Robert Mc- Kinstry, of Hudson, IST. Y.. covering about two hundred and sev- enty-five acres. Mr. Chapin had ten thousand barrels ol apples in 1879, which sold for seventeen thousand dollars. Mr. McKinstry had twenty thousand barrels in 1878, and about the same in other years. He raises most largely Rhode Island Greening, Baldwin and Tompkins King, and several others in less numbers. Mr. Whit- ney finds Red Astrachan, Maiden's Blush, Willow Twig and Domi- nie, most profitable in that region of Illinois. Single trees in some instances have given one hundred and fifty dollars each. The Yellow Bellflower proved worthless ; the trees gave only a single crop, and that was after a severe root-pruning. Baily Sweet has been a valuable sort. When the price of Mr, Whitney's apples is not over one dollar and twenty-five cents a barrel he converts them into vinegar ; at three dollars a barrel they are quite profitable. On the prairie soil, lime is very beneficial ; and to apply it, old mortar was spread under the trees, and was worth ten dollars a tree. There is no doubt that he gives his orchard intelligent management, and has not grown poor in taking care of it. ROOT LOUSE. The Farm and Garden says of tree planting : " We would especially advise all who plant young trees this year to examine them closely. First, at the roots for a white mould which indicates the apple root louse, as also does small knots the size of a pin head on the roots. At once burn such trees and buy healthy ones, or before planting, dip them in hot water not less than one hundred 284 3Iissouri State Horticultural Society. and thirty to one hundred and fifty degrees for a moment, then out again ; if necessary, several times. Or make a tubful of Paris G-reen water — a teaspoonful to two and one-half gallons of water — and dip your trees into it before planting ; allow every crevice in the roots to receive a share of the Paris Green water. Examine the trunk at the roots with a sharp-pointed knife for a bOrer. Examine the body for a mouldy look, which would indicate the woolly aphis. A wash made of one pound of concentrated lye to two gallons of water ; apply carefully with a rag or brush over the whole body — not on the roots as they are too tender. Examine and destroy all eggs, no matter how small, from the body and branches. If your eyesight is not the best, use a small pocket- glass, for some of the eggs of the most troublesome insects are not much larger than a pin point. If your tree dies under the treatment, feel delighted you escaped your enemies. If it lives, you will be thankful for a healthy tree, and you have not put an enemy in your orchard that will work your ruin. >f A FEW FACTS. Many persons ignorantly believe that roots literally eat their food, and that in conseqence, it should be placed in immediate proximity to them. But the thoughtful cultivator knows that all fertilizing material must first undergo a disintegrating and decom- posing process before it passes into a liquid a'nd vaporish state, when, and not before, it is in a suitable condition to enter into the vegetable organism. So a top dressing of plant-food is carried by the rains down to the fine fibres, to be taken up through their . minute pores, and assimilated. As a pretty, generally accepted ^ule the agent that produces wood-growtli will not secure a i'lne crop of fruit ; and on the con- trary a large crop of fruit is frequently at the expense of vigor. The two extremes are rarely if ever combined during a single season. The thoughtful cultivator, however, with an eye to profit, will use his best endeavors to produce a happy medium in both productiveness and growth. Success is more certainly assured by preserving our orchards in a perfect state of health, but liow best to do this apparently simple task, is yet debatable. So far as I am informed, no harm has arisen from applying an alkali wash of some sort to the stems and branches of our trees, which in addition to the destruction of insects, acts as a fertilizer to the soil. Whitewash is a simple and inexpensive coating for the bark, and is beyond question of undoubted utility. These ideas Secretary's Budget. 285 have been frequently given to readers of The Tribune aud I only allude to them again because people seem to forget the few simple rules that appear necessary to promote health, vigor and produc- tiveness in trees. As regards the question of sod or tilled surface I do not feel inclined to take positive grounds in favor of either. Each has its advocates, and under both systems of culture I have seen admirable results. It is plausible reasoning that the top soil when protected by turf or grass is rendered cool and even in temperature ; and the small fibres of the tree beneath can just as readily extract nourish- ment and moisture from the air as if culti\'ated. The sod if kept mown forms as good a bed for fertilizers as mellow soil, but the cut grass should never be removed. It is not reasonable to suppose that the cultivator and 2>lougli do not injure the roots to any extent, and when we consider tliat the smaller fibrous roots are instrumental in nourishing the tree, their loss must necessarily impair vitality. When the tree is young, the soil should be constantly cultivated, but so so soon as the soil becomes filled with roots it should not be disturbed. Such is my method of reasoning, but I know the opposite course is pursued by good careful orchardists, who claim that applying fertilizers to the surface, without breaking the soil, is no cultivation at all. The advocates of the latter theory claim that no harm ensues from thus dislocating the fibres, and that in practice the tree at once starts into active growth by such a stimulus. That a tree standing either in sod or mellow ground will make a vigorous growth after receiving a liberal amount of fertilizers, is well-known to every orc'iardist, so that the only question of real importance to be decided is in regard to the extent of the injury to the roots which breaking up of the sod" will inflict. Trees enjoy a fair mulch over their roots, not only to keep them moist but cool and even in temperature, and just here is where the advocates of the so-called "non-cultivation" theory claim their practice is superior. Experiments with the thermometer beneath the sod have shown very gratifying results, especially when the cut grass is allowed to remain on the surface to decompose and furnish additional shade as well as plant-food. — Josiah Hoopes, iti New York Tribune. ROOT FEEDING. There is in no case a doubt but that a tree has need of all its roots, and more if it could get them : so some people would say, we will sow the orchard in grass, and thus avoid ploughing, which 286 Missouri State Horticultural Society. must injure some roots. But the roots are of no use unless they have something to eat ; and if we let the grass have the best of the food, there is no gain, and often a loss. In such cases, it is better to plough the ground and destroy the grass, though some roots are destroyed, because the roots left have at least all the food to them- selves. But if we are so situated that we can give the grass all the food it wants, and the tree roots all the food they need, then it is far better not to plough the ground, because then you have not only all the roots to work for you, but some cool shade besides. It follows that in those parts of the world where little manure can be had for top-dressing, it would be the height of absurdity to keep an orchard in grass, no matter how great the theoretical advantages might be. The surface should be ploughed to keep down grass and weeds so that the tree may have all the food there is in the soil. All that we can say is, that as a principle of culture, those trees are the healthiest, the largest leaved, every way the best, which, with plenty of food, have their roots the least disturbed. POOE TKEES. Henry Waymire. — I experimented in my orchard, and have profited by it. My trees had not borne well for ten or fifteen years except little knotty fruit, until four or five years ago. After a hard winter I determined to cut them down. I advised with my wife about it, then thought I would spare the trees one year more. I dug around the trees for six or eight feet out, and around four of them spread manure, leaving two others without fertilizer. The next spring all bloomed out alike and apj^les began to show on all, but the fruit soon began to drojD from the two that Il-.ad neglected, but the others were loaded down with fine Bellflower apples, so jnuch so that one split in two and was ruined. Since then I feed Ihem manure every year, turn the hogs in until the fruit begins to get good, and I have plenty of apples every year, -and this season I have as fine a crop in quality and quantity as I ever had. I am satisfied that there are hundreds of these old orchards starving to death. A man adjoining me bought a farm with a jiear orchard on it. The trees looked bad and blighted. He rei:)laced the old with new soil, fertilized, and in one season he has increased the yield and improved the looks of his orchard. Another neighbor lias fifteen acres in orchard that blue grass has starved out, so that he has not an apple to-day as big as a hen Qgg, while I have more than I want, and am getting $1 a bushel for what I will sell, right ut home. It's just like the pigs. Neglect them and they Co not Secretary's Budget. 287 flourish ; care for them and feed them and they fatten. — Montgom- ery County, Ohio, Society. SHEEP IN THE OECHAKD. The Country Gentleman recommends the pasturing of orchards with sheep, insisting that they are better than swine for picking up fallen fruit, etc., as the latter sleep so soundly that they do not hear the fruit drop, and advises that the tree trunks be washed once a month with a mixture of soap-suds, whale-oil soap and sheep manure, in order to keep the sheep from gnawing the bark. It is very seldom we find occasion to criticise the advice given by the Country Gentleman, especially in horticultural matters ; but on this point we most decidedly condemn the advice given. After many bitter experiences we have learned that sheep or young calves are quite as much to be feared in an orchard as rabbits ; and our experience of farm life teaches us that the washing of the trees, if etfectual, is sure to be neglected just one day too long. We have never known swine to do any injury to an orchard, and we have found them' always active and efficient in taking care of the wormy fruit. SMALL FRUITS. We clip from Oltio Far'mer the following : SUMMER PRUJSflNG. Mr. Tryon, of Lake county, after practicing the pinching-back process for several years, has " gone back" on it. He says the pinch- ing off of bearing shoots develops buds that should remain dormant till the next year, causing young shoots to grow and blossom dur- ing the summer, so that at time of ripening there would be green A\ ood and grapes in different stages of growth, when all should be maturing at the same time. For eight or ten years past he has allowed the canes to grow right along, ripening its wood with the fruit, and the result is most satisfactory. BERRY NOTES FROM MICHIGAN. I think more of the Ohio Black-cap than ever ; it is of such excellent quality, besides all the other good things I have said about it. The Souhegan disappoints me. I had quite a lot of them ripe before any of the other Black-caps, and we could hardly eat :288 Missouri State Horticultural Society. them ; they are not even good enough to sell, to say nothing about eating them ourselves or giving them to our friends. Shaffer's is the best market berry I have ; last year I sold a few for canning purposes to people of good sense, and this year they were in great demand at the price of the best reds. Without question, it is the best canning berry we have. I planted Cowing's Seedling strawberry with twenty-five other sorts, and allowed friends, on going through the plot, to taste of all and vote as to quality; Cowing's was ahead of everything. I picked out eight of the best sorts and planted them on a larger scale, and our families always keep Cowing's clean of ripe berries. Why has this old berry been so neglected ? I grew it at Lansing some years ago upon clay loam ; it was of the same good quality, but assumed monstrous shapes ; no worse ihan the Sharpless. however ; ujdou the sand it is very comely. Were I to name the strawberry " grade marks" in the order of their importance, I should put comeliness among the first. I think only quality and color come before it. — Chas. I'F. Garfield in Rural Neiv Yorker. STKAW MULCH POR STRAWBERRIES. Mr. C. A. Green, in the Fruit Grower, says : " We shall never mulch bearing beds of strawberries with straw again. Though a good winter protection it can not be made free from grain and weed seeds, and thus to re-seed soil made clean by long culture, is vexatious. Aside from this the mulch is made the breeding place of insects. We found thousands of small worms hatched under the straw before the frost was fairly out of the soil. It is expected that the damage done to Parker Earle's (Cobden, 111.) ^Dlantation by an insect eating into the berries is owing to the straw mulch, as when no mulch was applied no injury was done." Mr. Jared Topping, of Colorado, is reported "in the Tribune as raising 400 quarts of strawberries on a plot 20 by 60 feet. This would be at the rate of 14,520 quarts, or 454 bushels per acre. A prolific country certainly ! Although the color is not in its favor, yet its superior size will secure its sale at the best prices. Plants of this variety are now- pretty plentiful at the nurseries and can be procured at low rates. The high prices which have' prevailed for this, also for those best early black-caps, the Souhegan and Tyler, have restricted their planting for home use. The season of the Shaffer is rather late — extending the rasp- berry season well up to the blackberry season. I am now using Secretary's Budget. 289 Shaffer's splendid, large, fine berries from canes clipped in spring to within a foot of the ground, and there are still many green ones on the shoots from the shortened canes. It surpasses other varie- ties in this habit. The following has just come to hand : Chas. "W. Garfield, Secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, thus writes : "Shaffer's is the best market berry I have. Last year I sold a few for canning purposes to people of good sense, and this year they were in great demand at the price of the best reds. Without question it is the best canning berry we have." — 0. B. Galusha. KOOT-HABIT OF THE STRAWBERRY. According to one of his latest bulletins from the State Experi- ment Station at Geneva, Director Sturtevant on August 13 of last year washed out a strawberry plant, of the Triomphe de Grand variety, with the following result : " The roots extended nearly vertically downward to the depth of 2'2 inches. The horizontal roots were few and short, the longest being traceable but six inches. Nearly all the fibrous roots were found directly beneath the plant. The new roots appeared grow- ing out about an inch above the old ones, and the longest of these had attained at this time a length of six iuches. They were white, and tipped at the extremity with a thickened point." The teaching of this one observation is that since the roots go deep the bed should be prepared by previous culture and thorough fertilization to a considerable depth ; that, since the roots cover an area scarcely larger than the leaves, the plants may be set close, provided the soil is rich enough to properly sustain all ; and that, since the roots run so nearly vertical, there is little danger of deep cultivation of the ground between the rows, even after the plants have reached full size. And this added point or two we give in the Director's own words : " The fact that the new roots grow out above the old ones each year, explains why strawberry plants appear to elevate themselves upward as they become old, and suggests the importance of draw- ing earth toward them after the bearing season. The formation of the new roots above the old ones as well suggests the advisability of surface manuring after the crop is harvested, for these latter roots occupy the uj^per portions of the soil. Our observations also sug- gest the advisability of applying the manure or fertilizer close to the plant as thus being more effective than when placed simply between the rows." 290 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Dr. Sturtevant suggests it as an interesting subject of inquiry, " whether the varieties within an agricultural species have as dis- tinct habits in their root formation within the soil as they display in their visible formation out of it;" and incidentally mentions that a cauliflower had, August 13, roots which were traced to a depth of two and a half to three feet, and horizontally about two and a half feet, and " the fibrous roots were less numerous in the upper than in the lower layers of soil." Hence for this crop the soil should be rich low down, as well as at the surface for tlie especial use of the plants when young. — N. Y. Tribune. SUCCESSION IN STKAWBEKRIES. The American Garden gives the following results of the time of ripening on the grounds of Dr. Hexamer, the editor," extending from June 6th to 18th : June 6th, Crystal City ; 7th, Crescent, Black Defiance ; 8th, Ducliess, Downer ; 9th, Wilson ; 10th, Miner, Lennig's White ; 11th, Cumberland, Green Prolific, Hart^s Minnesota, Jucunda, Cinderella, Seth Boyden, Hervey Davis, Red Jacket ; 13th, Bid well, Warren, Longfellow, Capt. Jack, Man- chester, James Vick, Golden Defiance, Great American, President Lincoln, Seneca Queen, Prince, Daniel Boone, Kentucky, Col. Cheney, Glendale ; 15th, Jersey Queen, Finch, Mrs. Garfield, At- lantic, Mount Vernon ; 18th, Marvin. THE MARLBORO RASPBERRY. Your correspondent, A. B. C. (why not give his real name ?) in the Rural New Yorker, of July 19, page 463, states that he saw "the Marlboro Easpberry in all its glory, or at least all the glory it will ever attain in Xew Jersey. It was on the best of soil and given the best possible treatment, but the canes were faltering, and would not bring out their first crop," etc., etc., "and my firm conviction is," continues this anonymous assailant, " from what 1 have seen of the Marlboro, it will not do for New Jersey and loca- tions southward. I can see nothing in it but Idaeus blood." Having examined the Marlboro raspberry carefully, I think otherwise, and I doubt if it has very much, if any, Idsus or for- eign blood m it (except in its mature leaves) ; but I believe it to be an improved seedling of the American red (rubus strigosus), or it may be the result of a succession of improvements or crosses, etc. The growth, and habit of throwing up numerous sprouts or suckers : the strong, vigorous, upright canes, branching a little toward the top, nearly smooth, with a few short, scattering spines ; the peculiar reddish color of the young leaves at the ends of the Secretary's Budget. 291 new shoots ; the color and flavor of the fruit, all strongly indicate its native origin. The bright scarlet color of the fruit (which adds greatly to its market value) ; its good size, quite firm flesh, which retains its form and color well, and keeps well, are all qualities which make the Marlboro promising as a -market berry.. This is what I now believe, but my practical experience witli the fruit has not been sufficient to warrant my giving a more decided opinion. — Charles Doioning. STEAWBERRY NOTES. In regard to strawberries, I would state that I have found the Primo to be large, regular in form, of a briglit color, as well as of very good quality, late and jjroductive. Plants of the Prince (of berries) sent me last August by Mr. Durand, made strong stools, some with four or more trusses ; fruit good, size and color uniform, high-flavored and productive. James Vick is a vigorous, healthy plant with enormous trusses of flower buds, but it requires high cultivation and plenty of water to carry out its crop to perfection. Of the older varieties I find Crescent and Duncan to be my most useful early kinds. The latter, although too soft for carriage, is healthy, productive, and high-flavored. The Manchester, when well fertilized, produces abundantly, and is worthy of extension. Mr. Josiah Hoopes, in the Tribune, thinks that after two years' fruiting. Fay's Prolific Currant produces clusters that sur- pass the immense bunches represented by the wood-cuts that ushered this new fruit "into notice. This is one of the presents we shall give for subscribers. • He also tliinks that Downing's Grooseberry is a valuable fruit and that no one can make a mistake in planting it. THE NIAGARA GRAPE. Mr. Hoopes, speaking of the Niagara Crape, says that when fully ripe, in Eastern Pennsylvania, it has surprised most vine- yardists by its productiveness, hardiness and real good quality, and that some bunches shown him this year closely resembled Muscats in appearance. The easiest way to secure one of these vines is to send us a club of four subscribers, for which we will have a fine two-year-old vine delivered to you free. HUCKLEBERRY CULTURE. Mr. D. J. Scott, Bridgewater, N. Y., tells the Husbandman that about fifteen years ago he transplanted huckleberries, of both the high and the low kinds, from a cold, wet swamp to a dry, grav- 292 Missouri State Hortimiltural Society. ely soil, where they have grown taller than in their native spot, and produce larger and more abundant berries. He advises us to set out young plants, about a foot high, in the spring, and then to mulch them for a year or two, and plow in some coarse horse manure occasionally. They are slow to start,' but after they are started they grow rapidly, both in bush and berry. PRESIDENT WILDER ON NEW FRUITS. Eds. Country Gentleman : — We have had a very favorable season, and I have been enabled to prove many of the new varieties of our small fruits. The Primo strawberry is large and uniform, bright, late and very good. The Prince (of berries) makes good stools, with plenty of trusses and fruit, handsome and high flavored, very good to best, excellent for home use. Mrs. Garfield and Jewell are promis- ing, and Bouquet especially so, for its aromatic true strawberry flavor. Of raspberries, the Marlboro, of which you have spoken, I have to state that plants sent me for trial last May came into fruit July 10th, and bore some through the month ; a very robust and free grower, with numerous shoots, one of which is more than six feet in height. I hope it may prove to be a good acquisition, but it will require good characteristics to surpass the Franconia, Knevett and other well approved kinds, Cuthbert does well, and so does Caro- line, a true h)'brid, which possesses the wood and foliage of the Caps, with the color, texture and flavor of the Brinckle, Of blackberries, Early Harvest is two weeks ahead of any other, and Dorchester the sweetest I possess. Ancient Briton is a hardy, very prolific and good sort. Grapes are looking remarkably well, Moore's and Worden are now coloring, the last a noble yine, surpassing its mother. Concord, in growth and beauty. Of dark varieties, Brighton, Barry and Wilder ^re my favorites, but the Concord, when well ripened, is very good. Of the reds, Lindley, Jefferson and lona, all high- flavored and fine, and when the latter ripens evenly and well, it is best, and good enough for me. Of the whites, Niagara, Prentiss and Pocklington are competing for prizes, and Duchess and Lady Washington, though later, are noble vines, the latter the most vig- orous sort I possess, and although twice thinned, has now too mucli fruit. By-the-by, what a striking illustration of the influence of hybridization or cross-fertilization have these white grapes afforded o Secretary's Budget. 293 us ! The time was, within our recollection, wlien this process was looked upon as a chimera of zeal without knowledge, but which is to go on improving our grapes until every section of our immense domain, wherever the grape will grow, shall be furnished with varieties suited to their several localities, equal in size, beauty and richness, to any now grown under glass. These are the means that help nature, and great as have been the attainments in our day, they are but the dawniugs of universal improvement in our fruits. Improvement is the order of Provi- dence, and by the judicious practice of this art, we shall ultimately arrive at the time when perfection, rather than the exception, will be the rule in our fruits. This leads me to say that though this influence is potent on the seed in producing a new generation, I hav& yet to see that the form, texture and flavor of the mother growing fruit is affected by it, as now supposed by some. But as we know something of the influence of pollen on the seed-coat of beans, corn, &c., and as these statements are made and corro- borated by means of large opportunities, we are bound to give respectful consideration to them, and if my life is spared, I will test their correctness. — Marshall P. Wilder. Shaffer's colossal raspberry. Ed"r Prairie Farmer: Among the multiplicity of new and "best" varieties of small fruits which are annually advertised and sent out, it is a relief and gratification to find an occasional one of superior merit. I think we have such a variety in the Shaffer raspberry. Its characteristics are the following : 1st — It is a hybrid between the black cap and red species. 2d — The canes grow immensely large, and on this account should be clipped off while growing ; first, at eighteen inches from the ground ; again, about July 10, at two to two and one-half feet ; and again about August 10, at three to three and one-half feet from the ground. 3d — It is extremely hardy — even hardier than the Gregg or Cuthbert. 4th — It is an immense bearer, far surpassing any variety in cultivation in this respect. 5th — The canes root at the tips and it does not throw up suckers all over the ground like the red varieties. This is a strong point in its favor for planting in gardens for family supply. 6th — The fiavor of the fruit, though not rich, is peculiarly agreeable for table use, and especially for pies, jams and jellies. It 394 Missouri State Horticultural Society. is more acid than either the red or black species, and is free from the rank '• medicinal" flavor so common m reds, and the " buggy" flavor of the blacks. My family prefer it for table use, with sugar and cream to any other variety. 7tli — In size it surpasses any other variety, and can be picked at lialf or two-thirds the cost of any other known to me. 8th — In color it is first a rather light red, turning quite dark purple when fully ripe. For market the berries should be picked when bright red ; they then cleave from the crown very well, but for family use they should be left until dark and ripe, when the flavor is delicious. 9th. — As a shipping variety, it is as good as the average, if picked when red. aiid then brings the higiiest market price. Shaffer's shipped one hundred miles, sold in Peoria at from two to three cents per quart more than very fine Cuthberts grown near the city. In our impetuous desire for new things, we are apt to discard old sorts ; but I retain as standard varieties Charles Downing, Ken- tucky, Seth Boyden, Cumberland and Trioniphe de Grand. And now a word in relation to the immediate influences of pollen on the growing fruit of the strawberry : The discussions at the last session of the American Pomological Societ}-, on this sub- ject, have awakened an interest not before known in this country ; and although our botanists and most experienced fruit growers have not observed these remarkable changes, all are bound to re- spect the opinions of scientific men wh'o are engaged in these investigations. It seems to me, however, that the truth of this theory might easily be obtained by crossing the Manchester Hovey, and other well defined and regularly formed pistillate varieties, under glass, with the Sharpless, and I will join in the effort to obtain reliable results. Nor would I omit the Wilder, and Hervey Davis, a seedling of the latter. These, although not widely culti- vated, for beauty and excellence, are always to be perj^etuated. — Rural Neiv Yorker. RASPBERRIES I?I" 1884 — RED OXES. First ripe, June 11th, Scarlet Gem, bearing a fine crop of large, handsome, excellent berries. Crimson Beauty and Stayman's K"o. 2, five days later and bearing a good crop ; Crimson Beauty is perhaps the most valuable of the three, but there is very little difference, all are valuable, particularly as they bear nearly all summer. Last season I thought it might be accident, but they Secretary's Budget. 295 are showing the same thing this season. June 19th I picked the first ripe Hansel ; this is also an excellent berry, and only a few days behind the earliest. Turner is turning red and will be ripen- ing some berries in a few days. And Lost Rubies are bowing their iieads to me with tlie central berry ripe here and there ; the largest of all now ripe, and of excellent flavor. Thwack and Colossal quite green yet. All these passed tlirough the severe winter and are bearing a good crop. BLACK CAPS. Centennial first ripe, June 16th, Souhegan and Burns a few days later. These are all three valuable varieties. Centennial is the largest, more convenient than the others, and a shining black ; no bloom. Souhegan not so glossy, and a little bloom, more acid than the others. Burns not so large as the two described, but the sweetest and to my taste the best. Gregg and Hoosier Mammoth green yet. WHITE O^TES. Moody, very productive, good flavor, good size for a cap berry, and worth having. Caroline. This is certainly an acquisition. Plant hardy ; propagates from suckers and from tips (a very unusual thing), which shows plainly that it is a cross between Brinckle Orange and some white cap. The fruit is a complete sjalit between the two, and the plant also. The fruit is not quite as large as the Brinckle, nor quite as good ; but near enough so to make it very valuable. My plants set out last spring a year ago are loaded with fruit, some of which is ripe and is certainly fine. In this we have a first rate hardy white (or rather yelloAv) rasp- berry, a thing not in existence a few years ago. Some new ones added to our collection this season are not bearing yet, so we cannot describe them. Some one asks whether the Souhegan is not the old Doolittle, brought out under a new name? I have not had the Doolittle for near twenty years, and can therefore not tell as if the two were growing side by side. One tiling is certain, it is much like the Doolittle in cane, thorns and frait, and is probably a seedling of that variety. It is earlier in my opinion, and moreover the parties who brought out the Souhe- gan are above sudi tricks. Much to my delight I have Just found a few plants of the Sur- prise raspberry, which I thought lost. It is well worth keeping, of 296 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the largest size for a black-cap, long conical, like the Centennial, but while the latter is black as ebony and glossy, the Surprise has a bloom like a grape on it. So much glory for Missouri, having originated two of the finest black raspberries in the country ; Centennial found near Hermann, by George Husmann, some twenty-five years ago, and Centennial near Carthage, by a Mr. Grayhill. Both early and productive, as well as first rate in quality and as firm as any others. June 24th (to-day), I made a small picking of Turner, and they are really fine. Do not know whetlier it is not still one of the most valuable. Also some Senecas, one that we don't see in the catalogues any more, but which is worth growing. I have a blackcap sent to me for Caroline, which is a strange one to me that is certainly a good one. Late as Gregg's but I cannot think it that variety, but will compare closely when they ripen. The Gregg and Hoosier Mammoth question I expect to solve soon. And if they do prove identical, the question will be "who stole the thunder," as I had the Hoosier Mammoth in view before I heard the name of Gregg mentioned. As to whether allowing the tips to droop and catch is any detriment to the following year's crop, or not, I would not pretend to say, yet am inclined to think it is a tax on the plants, and if I did not need new plants, and only fruit, I would keep them from catching. One thing about pinching I am now sure of, that they should be pinched when two to two and a half feet high. On the 18th we had a rain and storm that broke down quite a number of young canes that we left too long. — S. Miller. RAISING SMALL FRUITS. " The present season may lead some of us who are engaged in small fruit culture to look on the dark side, and to feel that we had more to contend with than any other class ; and in view of this state of things perhaps it would be well to recount some of the advantages of our occupation," said Mr. Crawford in a paper read before Trumbull County Horticultural Society. It is a business that benefits all classes and injures none. It is almost the only business in which a poor man can engage and be his own employer. Fiuit growers are comparatively independent ; they are not liable to be thrown out of employment. If sickness hinders for a time, their crops do not cease growing. If friends Secretary's Budget. 297 come to visit they can take a little time without having to give an account of it, or deduct the price from the few dollars due them at the end of the week or month. It is worth much to a man to be employed at home, to spend his days with his family rather than in some mill, shop or factory. Those who have children may justly consider it a great advantage to be able to employ them during the summer vacation, when so many children are running wild, and laying the foundation of bad habits which will cling to them for life. " Fruit growers have more leisure than most working people. In .the winter they can take time to plan for the next season, and get everything ready for work. They can attend important horti- cultural meetings, doing good and getting good ; and just here is a point worth noticing. Fruit growers have no secrets ; the proceed- ings of their meetings are published to the world. There is no monopoly in this, as in many other pursuits. The man with a single acre, or even a village lot, can engage in small fruit culture, and is quite likely to realize better returns for the amount invested than one with a hundred times as much. ''As fruit growers have a general knowledge of horticulture, they can do more to make home beautiful than any other class in moderate circumstances ; and for the same reason they and their families have a more liberal supply of the good things produced by the soil than other people. Fruit growers are intelligent ; they do more reading, writing and thinking, and cause more printers' ink to flow than any other class of working people. Fruit growers are independent ; they have neither asked nor received any special privileges ; no protective tariff, no bounties, no remission of taxes, no favors of any kind have been bestowed upon them, and no other industry has been taxed to make theirs profitable. Notwithstanding all this, the business has had a wonderful growth, and it never was in a more healthy condition than at the present time. Everyone is interested in it, directly or indirectly, and the number actually en- gaged m it is amazing. It is easy to see that, large as the business is, it will for several reasons go on increasing. The demand is increasing, and the sup- ply so perishable that the market cannot be over-stocked for any length of time, howeyer many engage in it. But little capital is required to commence the business. It is not necessary to buy the land, and if it were, a little is sufficient. No expensive implements are needed, and the returns come so speedily that the capital invested does not lie idle long. This is very different from being in debt :i98 Missouri State Horticultural Society. half a lifetime for a farm and tiie tools and stock absolutely neces- sary to make it profitable. "Fruit growing does not require a great outlay of physical strength, as there is but little hard work connected with it ; and for this reason it is a suitable occupation for those who are not able to engage in farmirig, market gardening, or any employment which involves much hard work. Old men, invalids and children may spend their little strength in fruit growing, and be successful. It is pre-eminently a business for women. There is scarcely any other work in which they can engage' with as good a prospect of making money. NEW AND RARE RASPBERRIES. A year ago I set out a dozen or more seedlings — Gregg crossed with Tyler — nearly all are now in fruit. I am gratified and aston- ished. There are several black ones as fine as either parent, one larger than Gregg, and so black that it shines like a blackberry ; it resembles T3der in quality. But what astonishes me most is there are three amber-colored albinos (may I not use this term?), one larger than any black-cap I have ever seen — about the size of the Turner. The albinos are all milder-flavored than the blacks. A lady said : "'Why, they taste just like wild berries!" The canes of the albinos are very large, some of them as big as broom handles. Is it not quite unusual to get so many albinos ? The experiment so far is very satisfactory. Physicians tell us to eat fruit without sugar ; black-caps are usually too sour, but these may be eaten without sugar, not seeming sonr. — D. S. Marvin. A NEW WHITE SWEET CURRANT. Peter Henderson & Co. sent us a box of white currants the last of July, which were raised by Geo. Seymour, of Connecticut. Mr. Seymour said the fruit was from bushes which had been growing for a long time on his place, and that the fruit was remarkably sweet. We notice two peculiarities of the fruit — one, the remark- able uniformity in size of all the currants on a stem. Those on the very tip were as large as those at the base. They were also remarkably sweet — we think the sweetest currants we ever tasted. Secretary' fi Budget. 21)9 FLOWERS. HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES. The following varieties were mentioned as among the best, by members of tlie Massachusetts Horticultural Society, at a recent meeting for discussion : William H, Spooner said that Mme. G. Luizet has proved beautiful under the past trying season of extreme drouth. Alfred Colomb, Jean Liabaud, Victor Verdier, and J. Stuart Mill have done well. Magna Charta has done admirably. La Eosiere, a dark kind, very much like Princess Camille de Rohan, if not iden- tical, has done better than ever before, as iiave also Abel Oarriere and Jean Soupert. The Duke of Wellington has been fine. The Climbing Victor Verdier is one of the best garden roses. Chestnut Hybrid has tea foliage, and has suffered from winter, but in an ordinary season would be hardy. La France and Souvenir de Mons Boll have done well. Climbing Bessie Johnson is a very strong grower and has flowered freely. Marie Baumann is an old kind which has done "well. Baron de Bonstetten is among tlie best. Charles Lawson, a Bourbon, gives a mass of bloom, but is not suited for exhibition. John Hopper is good. The Duke of Edin- burgh is not up to the standard. Jules Margottin, and the climbing variety of the same, have both done well. Some of the hybrid perpetual roses have very beautiful foliage ; Mme. Dupuy Germain is almost as good in this respect as Baroness Rothschild. Captain Christy is a hybrid tea, with beau- tiful foliage, but a little tender ; Mme. C. Wood is a good flower, but a poor grower ; Louisa Van Houtte is the best rose of its color, but was almost a total failure with the speaker. Senateur Vaisse is an admirable garden rose, and so is Marquise de Castellane in most seasons. Fisher Holmes is an improvement on Genei'al Jacqueminot. Dr. Andry is perfectly hardy, but Mme. Eugenie Verdier is a little tender. With the multitude of varieties tlie hybrid perpetuals are the class for general cultivation ; the newer shades are very desirable. E. L. Beard said that Baroness Rothschild is irregular in blooming, and in this climate is a failure out-doors. M. P. Wilder said that many of the roses mentioned by Mr, Spooner have taken their places as permanently as the Baldwin 300 Missouri State Horticultural Society. apple or Bartlett pear. Baronne Prevost, John Hopper, ai:id Dr. Aiidry have such constituents of excellence that, though better kinds in some respects may exist, all things considered they will retain their places for years to come. We desire fragrance in roses, and the tea blood gives this, but it also imparts tenderness. — Rural World. HARDY ROSES. In answer to "Mrs. J. (1. M.," of Buffalo, for fifteen hardy roses, I would name the following : Hybrid Perpetuals : " Alfred Colomb, Antonie Mouton, Auguste Mie, Beauty of Waitham, Caroline de Sansal, Gen. Jacqueminot, Gen. Washington, John Hopper, Jules Magottin, La Eeine, Madame Laffay, Madame Victor Verdier, Maurice Bernardin, Prince Camille de Kohan, Senateur Vaisse, Victor Verdier." With a little protection, the following may be added of Hybrid Noisettes : " Baronne de Maynard, Co- quette des Alps, M. Alfred de Eougemont, Perle des Blanches, and La France, if the plant can be grown strong, otherwise the buds will not open." Summer roses: "Madame Plantier, M. Hardy and Persian Yellow," Of Bourbons : " Appoline and Hermosa, these have done well here the past "five or six years without any protection." These are not all the good roses that can be grown here, but are some of the best old sorts, and are likely to give sat- isfaction. I have seen over one hundred varieties in full bloom, that had no other protection than a covering with the plow. Climbers : " Queen of the Prairie and Baltimore Belle are the best, to which may be added Gem of the Prairie and Mrs. Hovey. " For pillar roses : "C. Jules Margottin and C. Victor Verdier." I cannot say that tree roses are a success here. I tnow a few that have done well, but by far the greater number fail. — F. G. Z. in Gardener's Monthly. ROSES AND "CLIMBERS. Seeing the request of Mrs. M., on page 43, February number, I give some points on roses ; as I made them my hobby for many years. I have experimented, and noted down all I found worthy, being, moreover, under no obligations to florists. I can recom- mend as the best book I have "The Rose, by H. B. Ellwanger," on account of its catalogues of varieties. My best roses are first fifteen, as asked : Alfred Colomb, Annie Wood, Baroness Rothschild, Boieldieu, Charles Lefebre^ Fisher Holms, Crested Moss, Common Moss, Prolific Moss, Francois Michelon, General Jacqueminot, John Hopper, Madame Charles Wood, Madame Boll, Madame Zoet- Secretary's Budget. 301 ^iian, Marie Bauman, Marguerite de St. Amande, Pierre Noting, Paul Neyron, Maurice Bernardin, Xavier Olibo. Of climbers, I advise to keep away from at present, except a few prairies, like Baltimore Belle, Half Climbing, Princess Adelaide Moss, and Reine Marie Henriette if covered. I find the Clematis family by far the finest blooming climbers, and hardy, which none of the roses mentioned are, sufficiently to withstand 22° below freezing this year, except the Moss, Madame Zoetman, and B. Belle. All others are Remontant, or Hybrid Perpetual, and killed now to the ground or snow line. But as they are to be pruned, it matters little ; entirely different from climbers, which should not be cut much. If you try the Lanuginosa section of clematis, say Candida, you will not plant many climbers besides. Flamula will do, with Candida, for trial. Roses must be planted together in rich, clayish, well manured soil, dug at least two spades deep. I plant about two feet aj)art, have a splendid oval bed, shaded north and west, open east and partly south. I find it best to get own root plants, two years old, from open ground. Get the best plants. True to name is a very strong point ; and care should be taken to know what one is to get before ordering. — George BocJc, in Gardener's Monthly. VARIETY OF EOSES. The variety of monthly roses best adapted for winter is lim- ited. A great mistake is frequently made by the inexperienced in using too many kinds. The roses most likely to be valuable the coming winter are here named in the order of their excellence : Sunset, a rich orange color, shaded with crimson, possessing the true tea fragrance ; Perle des Jardins, deep yellow ; Niphetos, large pure white ; Catherine Mermet, a shell pink ; Marshall Robert, pale canary yellow ; Southern Belle, a real blush rose ; Souvenir d' Ami, delicate pink ; Bon Silene, very deep pink, with delightful fragrance ; Mde. Cusin, silvery salmon tinted ; and Douglass a dark crimson. There are hundreds of others offered by growers, but when the limit of this list is passed the results will not be so satisfactory. Nearly all the colors known in roses are here represented. SPRAYS FOR BOUQUETS. Flowers should be cut in the early morning when the dew is on. No other moisture so thoroughly impregnates a plant as dew. We know that oats or wheat bound when wet with rain will dry out much more rapidly than if wet with dew. If flowers are moist with dew when cut they will continue fresh much longer than if 302 Missouri State Horticultural Society. wet with rain ; apriori, if not damp at all, as in the middle of the day. Hot water will generally revive flowers that have wilted from having been cut some time. Place the lower part of the stems in nearly boiling hot water until the petals become smoothed out, then cut off the parts that have been in the hot water, put the flowers in lukewarm water and keep in a cool room. Flowers, either cut or remaining on the stem, may be kept fresh much longer by keeping the air of the room moist and fresh. In summer the air is apt to be dry and hot, and in winter, when the doors and windows are all closed, the air of the room is kept hot and dry. Keeping the air moist is better not only for the flowers but for the human dwellers in the room. Keeping a pan of water in the room will suffice in hot weather ; in winter it must be kept on the stove. In nothing else does good taste make a better showing than the arrangement of bouquets. An eye naturally acute or else arti- ficially trained to critically notice colors is essential. For the ar- rangement of flowers in bouquets no all-sufficient rules can be giv- en. There must be either a natural talent for blending colors ar- tistically, or else an ability to do so gained by intelligent practice. Yet some hints are* valuable to those who must learn. Never put blue and purple together ; never put crimson and scarlet, or bright pink and scarlet, in juxtaposition. The result is always bad and destructive of pleasing effect. Arrange the flowers in shadings of the same colors or in contrast. Nature does everything well and no taste is better than hers. She is a good guide to follow. She is always artistic and her bouquets are always beautiful. With every ' flower she puts green leaves for a background. Hence, green leaves are always desirable in a bouquet. They brighten the colors of the flowers and at the same time relieve the eye. Also, the foliage belonging to each plant is usually the best adapted to its peculiar beauty. A bouquet of Camellias alone would be chilly, cold, devoid of beauty . or effect ; but combine the blossoms with the rich, glossy foliage and the effect is charming. Every one exclaims : " How beautiful." In every bouquet or dish of flowers it is safe to have a plentiful mixture of white and neutral tints. After green, the safest color is white. But white is for the foreground, green for the back- ground. Neutral tints brighten bright, showy colors and save the bouquet, also, from ''loudness." Do not crowd the flowers. This is a common fault. Secretary's Budget. ' 303 PROMISED XOYELTIES. Among roses we are promised a crimson La France and a white Catherine Mermet. The owners assure me that these are decided in color. We can all imagine what acceptable desiderata two such roses would be. Among lilies there will be a white Superbum. I have seen this in bloom. It is not a piire white, but by far the whitest form I have ever seen. The Eed-flowering Dogwood will soon be ready for the market. It is a red-blooming variety of Cornus Florida, and as vigorous as the normal form. I have two plants of it, and they grow strongly. Their foliage is darker- tinted than that of the white-blooming one. Prunus Pissardii is a shrub with colored leaves in the way of the Purple-leaved, Bar- berry, Beech or Filbert ; but its leaves hold their color throughoui. the summer better than do those of any of the Japanese Maples or above plants. It is hardy here. The golden-leaved Pinus Massoniana, of which we have the two parent plants, will be distributed as soon as propagators cai; get up a stock of it. Our plants are two and a half feet high and three and a half feet across, and very dense, notwithstanding the fact that we have given 100 scions for grafting. It is the most beautiful golden-leaved conifer that I know of, perfectly hardy here, and survives year after year unprotected and without a blemish, while its relative, the sun-ray pine, growing right along- side of it, is sometimes injured by the winter. It is in winter that it is most beautiful and golden ; in summer it assumes a greenish hue — Willimii Falconer. [This golden-leaved pine has proven hardy at the Rural grounds. Our plants were set tive years ago. — Eds. Rural Ke^v Yorker.'\ NOTES Oif GERANIUMS. If we except Begonia rubra there is nothing scarcely so contin- uously in bloom as the geranium. They are always with us, and cheap, while orchids are dear, and only bloom a few weeks. We hijd Calinthe vistita and Dendrobium nobile by way of variety in our little plant room this winter. These are easily grown and not very expensive. I wanted a Disa grandiflora that was $4. Mr. Saul showed me a "wee bit" of an orchid, grown for its fine foliage, that cost him four guineas. I didn't want that. Any one cais grow the Epiphyllun truncatum, and one with fifty perfect flowert? beats many orchids. So if you have half a dozen pots of Amaryllis in the cellar to be brought out in succession, you can have thein three months, but these things are not always with you like tlit- 304 Missouri State Horticultural Society. geranium. The Cyclamens are also very fine for winter, but they are lazy fellows and want to sleep all summer. I find the following geranmms good winter bloomers : ' • White Vesuvius, Emile de Girardin, rose; Mad. Thiebaut, carmine violet ; Guillion Mangelle, carmine crimson ; Henry Cannell, fine scarlet ; Lemoine Cannell, rich amaranthine red marked purple : Eepresentant Gaudin, deep velvety crimson." These are also good for bedding out, except the first, which is single. I cannot find a single geranium that is fit for bedding out. Queen of the West is as good as any to hold its flowers, but every shower spoils it for a few days. To make a geranium bed interesting, one should have at least fifty varieties, and get something new every year. I mean new to those who get them, as most of the new high priced plants are not as good as many of the old ones. So if you raise fifty seedlings, some of them will be good, and every one of interest till after it has bloomed. It is impossible to tell colors from catalogue descriptions. Robert George is called more decided in color than Deputy Taflize, while it is lighter and only a shade darker than H. Cannell. Richard Brett is called "very double ;" still it is not near as double as McLeod, and is a coarse grower, a poor variety. I did not take it up. Prokop Danbeck is called pure soft rose, while it is nearly i(ientical with Leon Simon, Avhich is described as red flamed with salmon. Remarkable, a much improved Earnest Lauth, with me is not as good. La Constitution is lighter than Asa Gray and not as good, while Mrs. E. G. Hill is better than either. I have had two varieties for Mr. Chas. Pease, but neither was as good as Mad. Thiebaut. Lemoine Cannell and Charles Darwin are much alike. Both might have come from the same parent. One description answers for both, only the flrst is a shade darker, which can only be told by holding them together. Their amaranthine red and purple give us a new color for the geranium, and are very welcome. — Gardener's Monthly. * Secretary's Budget. 305 OENAMENTALS. PRESERVATION OF THE LEADIXG SHOOTS OF EVERGREElSrS. One of the false impressions that have long prevailed Avith much force and endurance, is the alleged necessity of preserving the top shoots of evergreens. Birds are looked upon with appre- hension and disgust as the}^ press destructive feet on this valuable growth. Stakes are even used to support such important elements of liealth and symmetry ; and the purchaser who seeks choice spec- imens, carefully avoids all evergreens that have lost their leaders, almost superstitiously regarding it as impossible that the lost, in this case, can ever return. What are the real facts of the case as indicated by intelligent experience ? Simply that the destruction of the leading shoot is often an actual benefit to the tree when its aspiring habits become too strong, and that, so far from birds fatally injuring the symmetry of trees by breaking the topmost shoots, cases happen frequently where the preservation of symmetry has been largely due to the action of their little feet. As long as the leader grows in due proportion to the rest of the tree, its presence is most necessary : but, unfortunately, this up- ward tendency, when excessive, seems to draw away the sap from properly doing its work in the tree^s lower portions, or, in other words, destroys the equilibrium. Diminished gi-owths then appear at tlie base, exhibiting irregular, open spaces in the foliage whicli in that part should be most dense. The growth, forced aloft, be- comes concentrated farther and farther up the tree, until all sym- metry is destroyed, and we behold a monstrosity, where we had gloried only a few years before in perfect proportion and grace. Silver Firs are especially liable to this tendency, and consequently are apt to possess their highest beauty at a comparatively early age. An efficient remedy may be applied to all evergreens by prun- ing such shoots during youth, until a satisfactory base is acquired, when a very occasional removal of the offending member will read- ily prevent deformity. The fear which sometimes exists that the amputated leader will never return, is perfectly groundless ; although, when the operation is performed on a plant of consider- able age, reappearance may be delayed for several years. This de- 306 Missouri State UorticuUural Society. lay will, however, be found rather a benefit than otherwise, as in the meantime, the proper furnishing of the tree will be established before any strength of the sap is drawn off to assist the upward growth of the leader. The lesson taught, of course, is that the equilibrium of the various parts of the tree should be always maintained by pruning any shoots that evince rampant tendencies. Systematic manage-, ment will thus preclude the necessity of all severe pruning in the sense of amputation. The simple processes hereby pointed out are doubtless familiar to most experts ; but it has been our wish to secure from all who possess evergreens, a greater attention to such operations. It is simply pruning with thumb and finger, or knife, and not shearing into formal shapes. Only experience can afford an adequate con- ception of the quality of growth thus retained. — G. M. THE BEST EVERGEEENS. If proper care is taken in handling them, evergreens can be successfully moved every month in the year, while with careless handling there is very great danger of loss at all seasons. The evergreen tree retains its foilage at all seasons, thus always exposing a very large evaporating surface to the air ; consequently if their roots are disturbed and their supply of moisture thereby cut off there will necessarily be a severe drain upon the vitality of the tree. If the roots are exj^osed to wind and allowed to dry they will suffer or die very quickly, so that when reset in the ground they are not in the condition to resume their natural functions, but must recuperate themselves before they can supply the needed sap and nourishment for the top of the tree. Drying of the roots is always attended with an equal or greater amount of drying of the tops, although the latter is less noticeable at the time of exposure. It is, therefore, a matter of the greatest importance which cannot be too strongly insisted upon, that the roots of trees, par- ticularly of evergreens, should not be allowed to dry in the air. It is not possible to avoid all such risks in transplanting ; the art will never be so perfected that some trees will not die. It is also very important to preserve all the roots of a tree un- injured while digging and equally so that they should be properly spread and st)'aighteiied in planting and every fibre placed in contact with the soil. In order to do this it is necessary to work the fine earth among them with the hands and* by liberal watering Secretary's Bridget. 307 at time of planting make the earth soaking wet and press it firmly so that it will encase the roots and exclnde all air. The best plan for transplanting evergreens is to dig out a ball of earth with the roots and remove this with them. If this is not practicable the roots should be puddled in their mud as soon as dug to protect them from dying. The best trees — those in wliieh there is the least risk in mov- ing— are those which have been frequently transplanted and have grown thrifty on good ground. Sucli trees will have a mass of fine fibrous roots in a com^Dact space, so that they can be dug without cutting or mutilation and will retain a ball of earth firmly -about them, and will thus be preserved in growing condition while on transit. — Rural Home. ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. The following list of ornamental trees and shrubs was pre- pared by Mr. Geo. EUwanger, of the Mount Hope Nurseries, Kochester, JST. Y., for the Western New York Horticultural Society : [lu this list, the varieties marked with a f , are for a small place ; those marked with a *, includmg those mai-ked with a f, are for a place of larger size, the whole list being designed for more extensive grounds :] f Maple, Wier's cnt-leaved. Maple. Norway. * Maple, Schwerdler's. f Maple, Japanese atropurpureum and others. * Horsechestnut, double white flowering. Horsechestnut, red flowering. * Alder, Imperial, cut-leaved. t Birch, cut-leaved weeping. f Birch, Young's weeping. * Catalpa syringfefolia. Cherry, large double flowering. Elm, Blandford. Elm, Camperdown. * Judas tree. * White fringe tree. * Yellow wood (Cladastris tinctoria.) f Dogwood, white flowering. f Thorn, double white. f Thorn, Paul's double crimson. f Beech, weeping. * Beech, cut-leaved. 308 Missowi State Horticulturcd Society f Beech, River's smooth-leaved purple. Ashj All Cuba leaved, f Kolreuteria jianiculata. * Larch, European. Sweet gum. Magnolia tripetela. * Magnolia, Chinese white. f Magnolia speciosa. * Magnolia, Soulange's, t Peach, double flowering red. t Peach, double flowering white. Chinese cork tree (Phellodendom). f Mountain ash, oak-leaved. * Crab, fragrant garland flowering, f Oak, scarlet. * Oak, cut-leaved. Linden, white-leaved. HARDY EVERGREEX. Spruce, white. * Spruce, hemlock. Spruce, Norway. t Spruce, Barry's. * Spruce, black dwarf. f Spruce, Colorado blue. t Silver fir, Cilician. * Silver fir, Nordmann's. Juniper, Chinese. * Juniper, L'ish. * Juniper, j)rostrate. f Juniper, tamariscifolia. Juniper, glauca, red cedar. + Pines, Austrian, Cembra. f Pines, df. Mugho, heavy wooded. Pines, Scotch. Yew, erect. f Yew, golden. * Yew, Washington golden. * Arborvitffi, Siberian. f Arborvit*, pyramidal. , ArborvitEe, globe-headed. * Arborvitse, Vervane's golden. Secretary's Budget. 309 OEKAMENTAL SHKUBS. f Berberry, purple leaved. * Dogwood, variegated Cornelian cherry. Dogwood, red. f Japan, quince. f Deutzia, Pride of Rochester. f Deutzia, slender branched. Diervilla, (or Weigela). t Diervilla, Candida, white-flowering. t Diervilla, rose-colored. * Diervilla, variegated-leaved df. ■ Forsythia (Golden-bell). * Forsythia, weeping (suspensa). * Forsythia viridissima. * Silverbell. f Rose of Sharon, variegated-leaved. Rose of Sharon, Due de Brabant. f Hydrangea, large panicle-flowered. * Hydrangea, oak-leaved. Mock orange, golden-leaved. f Mock orange, hoary-leaved. * Mock orange, Yokohama. f Mock orange, laxus. f Prunus triloba, double-flowering plum. * Golden elder. f Spiraea, double-flowering, plum-leaved. ■ t Spirfea, lance-leaved, double. Sj)ira?a collossa. Spirsea, large-flowering, white. f Lilac rothomagensis. f Lilac, large-flowering, white. * Lilac coerulea superba. f Viburnum plicatum. « THE TULIP TREE. There are few American trees more worthy of cultivation than this. It is also called " yellow poplar" and " whitewood," both of which are misnomers, for it is not a poplar at all, and the wood is of various shades of yellow. Its botanical name is Liriodendron tvUpifera. As a lawn tree it is highly ornamental, with glossy, peculiarly cut leaves, and an abundance of greenish orange blos- soms, followed by the tassel-like seed vessels. In autumn the 310 Missouri State Horticulfurnl Society. foliage turns to a rich golden yellow. So far as known, it is wholly exempt from insect pests. As a timber tree it is valuable, being rapid in growth and furnishing the well-known "white wood," so useful in cabinet and other fine work. It is found in all parts of the country, but reaches its highest perfection in the rich soils from Western New York to the Mississippi river. It is not uncommon to find trees four and five feet in diameter at the stump. The demand for the wood of this tree is so great that it is rapidly dis- appearing. CULTIVATED CHESTNUTS. Here we face a long row of stalwart chestnut trees, twelve to eighteen inches in diameter. A companion row has been removed and cut and split into posts of ample size. The living specimens are just forming burs in profusion. Some of them yielded two bushels each of excellent nuts last year. They were set twenty- eight years ago. " Why is it that so many people say this tree will not succeed upon the prairie ?" we ask. " You see they do succeed. It is as easy to grow them as it is to grow corn. The trouble is, men insist on setting too large specimens. Set them when one year old ; if older cut them back severely. This is the secret. They are hardy and productive, and the timber is lasting and easily manipulated, but remember, they must have dry land. Neither they nor European larch can stand wet feet." — Prairie Farmer. THICK PLANTING. In planting new places, the landscape gardener usually has ah eye to,what the place will be when, some twenty years hence, the trees shall have grown. But few of us think of that picture. To us these unfinished pictures need more filling now. We approve of thick planting. Trees grow faster for one an- other's company, and a place well filled at once, saves many years of time to see them grow. Those not wanted after the place has grown some, can be transplanted to other parts of the ground. Where thick planting is to be adojited, of course care mu'st be taken in locating those permanently to remain. But the trouble usually is that a thickly planted place is rarely thinned. People hate to see a tree cut down. In the public squares of Philadelphia the trees are crowding each other till the whole square looks like a crow's nest. Grass will not grow, first, because of the shade ; secondly, because of the poverty of the soil, and thirdly, because of the drought from so many tree roots ; and though the city of Philadel- phia appropriates $25,000 a year to improve the squares, one each Secretary's Budget. 311 \'ear in succession, it would be as much as the commissioners place IS worth to "cut down a tree." And this is. an example of what is often seen. The only remedy is, to educate the public to plant thickly at first ; but to thin every few years till they are of Judic- ious width apart. — Gardener's Monthly. A SUGGESTION. Why are not fruit trees more generally planted on lawns or in gardens ? The idea seems to prevail that fruit trees must be con- fined to the orchard or kitchen garden ; yet what can be more beautiful than the pale pink and white of tlie apple blossom, the pu]'e white of cherry and pear, and the deep rose of the peach ? Cherry trees literally white with blossoms are of no rare sight, and what is more charming than the graceful branches clad in spotless purity ? Then, too, the ripe fruit, in thick clusters upon them, is no less pleasing to tl)e eye than gratifying to the taste. There are many varieties of trees which are planted in yards and lawns, which have no more sightly appearance than an apjDle tree, without its wealth of fragrant bloom or its shower of luscious fruit. Even in the suburbs of cities and large towns, where but few feet of land is allotted to each home and where one would suppose that each inch of room would be made available, the front yards are planted with evergreen trees, or purely ornamental shrubs, to the utter exclusion of apple, pear or plum trees — any of which would be far preferable in every respect. — Am. Cultivator. It may not be generally known that the Duke of Athole is one of the most extensive tree phinters in the world. There are already vast woods and plantations in Athole and Dunkeld, Scotland, and, as of course they exist for use as well as ornament, large numbers of trees have been planted annually to maintain the woods. In- deed, every year the duke plants from 600,000 to 1,000,000 trees. During this season a plantation covering 2,000 acres has been com- pleted. When the planter duke began operations on a large scale in 1774 the Dunkeld hills wer6 almost bare. During his life the duke, who may be described as a true benefactor to his country, planted 27,000,000 trees, covering an area of 15,000 acres. MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The number of wealthy amateurs, who love gardening, and do their best to encourage a spirit of emulation, which reacts favorably on public taste, is very large around Boston ; ^ these mostly support ably the exhibitions of the horticultural Society. 312 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Hence, the city ]s famous for its neat and tastefully kejot public squares, gardens and cemeteries. A corresi^ondent says : " The weekly meetings of our society always have something of special interest ; and so great is the public desire to know all about its doings, that our newspapers take special pains to have full reports, written by persons who understand what they are reporting, pre- pared for them. I think the meetings recently have been of more than usual interest, especially the one that has just closed. It has proved to be the most successful, on the Avhole, of any of the annual exhi- bitions made by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The attendance has been double that of last season, and the cash re- ceipts for admissions have been proportionate. The managers accordingly feel that their efforts in the i^ast have been effective to the end proposed, namely, the education of the public mind to a genuine interest in horticulture, whether in the practical form as cultivators of garden products, or in what, perhaps, may be termed the philosophical and aesthetic form as lovers of progress in the useful arts, and of the beautiful in nature. STONE FEUITS. PEACH GROWING. A correspondent of the American Partner has the following with regard to peach growing in Maryland: •'! plant my trees twenty feet apart each way ; larger trees and more feeding ground result from wide planting. The trees are headed low to allow the branches to shade the trunk and the ground beneath. This is an important matter,, as the summer sun, and possibly the winter sun, scalds the bark and causes it to peal from the trunk. I have also noticed that the parts exposed to the rays of the afternoon sun in summer are most affected. A successful j)each grower in another state showed an orchard which he had planted in such a way that one tree shaded the trunk of another at one or two o'clock in the afternoon ; each tree, in planting, was also inclined sharply to the southwest. Shortening of each year's growth during the first few years of a peach tree's life causes a stocky growth, prevents slab- bing off of long limbs, easy gathering of the fruit, and, what is Secretary's Budget. 313 another point with me, keeps the ploughshare from too close con- tact with the roots, as the shape of the tree will not admit of too much familiarity of that kind. THE PEACH TREE. Prof. Groff says : ''I have observed that the peach tree fre- quently does remarkably well on the north sides of hills and mountains, where the cold lingers longest in spring. I have seen it cultivated on such sj^ots when it refused to do well in any other spots in the region. The hint may be worth something." [Peach trees often suffer by the temperature of the soil going beyond 80°. A north aspect is favorable to low temperature, and flower and leaf buds are excited prematurely by early suils, when at low elevations or on warm aspects. The peach is the healthiest when there is no disposition to growth till the spring time has fairly come. This is another reason in favor of a northern aspect. — Ed. G. M.] THE CURL IX THE PEACH. We had supposed that this disease which takes the form of blis- tered and succulent blotches on the leaves, with a white mildewy substance beneath, was everywhere and generally familiar to peach cultivators. Bift specimens with inquiries as to the nature of these blisters come to us from different quarters, with the information that it was in those localities hitherto unknown. It is also very much worse m some parts of the country than in others. We have never seen it anywhere so destructive as in Canada, unless what we saw in California along the Stanislaus river was the effect of the curl, as we were told it was. Whole branches were dead, with the dry leaves attached to them. In Pennsylvania only a few of the earlier leaves are attacked ; these fall off, but the shoots continue and make the new and healthy leaves necessary to health. The wood is weakened but not destroyed. The disease is caused by the growth of a minute fungus para- •site. Each species of fungus requires certain exact conditions of heat and moisture before it will germinate, and judging from the facts attested in these widely separated localities, we conclude that a comparatively low temperature is required by this one that pro- duces the peacli curl, and that when the weather gets very warm, or sa}^ to our eastern summer heat, this species will not develop. A steadily warm temperature will therefore be the best protection against the curl. — Gardener's Montldy. 314 Missouri State Horticultural Society. AN ENTIRELY NEW PLAN. A number of shrubs and small trees that came from a Euro- pean correspondent a few years ago, were planted in a nursery row prejDaratory to making a final disjDOsitiou of them. This year one of these attracted attention by a shoAV of fruit. It proved to be Prunus Simoni, Simon's Plum, a native of the northern j)art of China. Tlie tree, now about ten feet high, has slender, erect branches. The lance-sliaped leaves are minutely serrate on the margin, and with two or four small globose glands at the base. The leaves are a dark green and shining on the upper surface, and lighter colored and dull below. The fruit, ripe about August 10th, soinetimes reaches two inches in diameter, though usually smaller, and has a very short stem. It is much flattened lengthwise, and at a short distance appears like a diminutive apple. It has a dis- tinct, but not a very deep suture. The skin, which is perfectly smooth, is of a dark-red color, known as cinnabar. The flesh is of an apricot-yellow color, and somewhat adherent to the stone. The stone has a nearly orbicular outline, thicker on one side than on the other, and marked with furrows and holes in a similar man- ner to the peach, though, in a less degree. The fruit has an agreeable and peculiar odor, recalling tbat of an apricot. The flesh, while not very juicy, is, when fully ripe, agreeable, with a marked and pleasant flavor, in which the taste of bitter almond is quite perceptible. It is the possibilities that this new plum i^resents, rather than what it now is, that interests us. AVhen we see what has been done in improving the Sand pear by hybridizing, we hope some one may experiment with the Simon's plum, and make it the foundation of a new class of plums, and perhaps of peaches. Pomologists will observe in this fruit a remarkable union of the characters that distinguish the plum and the peach. Its smooth skin, and the character of the flesh are those of a plum, while the glands at the base of the leaves, and the grooved and rough stone are like the peach. Indeed, Decaisne originally named it Persica Simoni* Simon's Peach. This species shows that Bentham and Hooker were right in uniting the almond, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, etc., all under the single genus Prunus. — American Agriculturist. THE PEACH. Amygdalus Persica — is, according to the common opinion, of Persian origin. Diodorus Siculus says that it was carried from Persia into Egypt during the time that Cambuyses ruled over that Secretary's Budget. 315 country. It is supposed to have been transported from thence into Greece, and after a lapse of time into Italy, where it only began to be known about twenty years before the birth of Pliny, that is, about seven years before the Christian era, and it appears that Columella was the first to treat of its cultivation there. According to Nicander, it was brought to Greece by the agency of Perseus from Cephia, a locality affirmed by some to have been in Persia, by others in Ethiopia, or in Chaldasa. The peach is also spoken of by Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and other Greek writers. We must, therefore, conclude that this fruit was well known in the East very long before its introduction into Italy. Many ancient writers, including Athena?us and Pliny, and more recent ones, as, for in- stance, Marcellus Virgilius, in his " Commentaries on Dioscorides," confound the peach with the persea, a fruit the identity of which is uncertain, some supposing it to be a Coidia, others a Balanites. Macrobius again confounds the peach with the persicum of Suevius, which is the walnut, and with that of Cloatius, which is the citron ; all fruits resembling the peach in nothing but in the name, a clear proof that it cannot have been in their days by any means a common fruit. How few were the varieties of peaches known to the ancients appears from Dioscorides, who only names two, from Pliny, who enumerates five, and Palladius four only, giving at the same time, accurate information on the mode of cultivating them. Al- though all the evidence collected by Professor Targioni tends to show that the peach was, originally, brought from Persia, and lie, therefore, does not consider it necessary to proceed further with the investigation ; yet, no traveler whom we can rely upon, has ever found it growing really wild there or anywhere else. We are left in doubt whether its native stations remain yet to be discov- ered, or whether its original wild type must be sought for in some species of Amygdalus known to be indigenous in the East. It has been more than once suggested that this original parent is no other than the common almond, a conjecture, founded, per- haps, on the similarity in the leaves^ and in the perforations of the endocarp, but rejected as absurd by those who attach even generic importance to the succulence of the indehiscent pericarp. This point cannot be decided witn any degree of plausibility until we shall have a better knowledge of the different forms which the fruits of the wild Amygdali ' may assume under various circum- stances ; but we may mention, as circumstances in some degree favoring the supposition, that some kind of almond is the parent 316 Missouri State Horticultural Society. of the peach, the ancient tradition referred to by Targioni (with the remark that is contradicted by Pliny, and by common sense) that the peach in Persia was poisonous, and became inocuons when transj^orted to Egypt, and the case quoted of a supposed hybrid raised in 1831 in Sig. G-iuseppe Bartolucci's garden at Colle di Val d^ Else, from a peach stone which produced fruits at first exactly like almonds, but which, as they ripened, assumed the ap- pearance and succulence of peaches, whilst the kernel remained sweet and oily, like those of almonds. We might also refer to^ some bad varieties of peach with very little juice to their pericarps, although we do not know of any which assume the flattened form of our almond, a distinctive character which appears to us to be of considerable importance. The foliage and flowers of the two trees show little or no specific difference. — The Garden. ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE. AGRICULTURAL STATESMEN. The presiding of Governor Frederick Robie, of Maine, over the late annual meeting of the Maine State Grange has furnished food for a most excellent article from Major Ben Perley Poore on agricultural rulers and statesmen.. He thus discourses upon the subject in the columns of the American Cultivator. Travelers in China tell us that, at a certain solemn festival that occurs there once a year, the Emperor of that 'Celestial Kingdom," the ruler of 300,000,000 of people, so far evinces his respect for that glorious science which yields bread to his subjects, that, in order to set the best possible example, he takes himself a plow in hand and turns a few furrows with it, in the same fashion as does the humblest plowman in his domains. In this instance do we find the mighty soverign of an empire, in which sovereignty is es- teemed a thing sacred — a thing exalting above the lot of ordinary mortals its fortunate possessor — proclaiming, by his own example, the inestimable worth of that knowledge in virtue in which the earth brings forth her fruits, so that in good time we may enjoy them. Secretary's Budget. 31 1^ Nor i^ it to Eastern civilization alone that we shall refer for a sincere appreciation of the infinite benefits — benefits scarcely to be measured — which are yielded us by agricultural operations Joseph II, Emperor of G-ermauy, son of that heroic Maria Theresa, who exalted the house of Hapsburgh to unwonted influence and strength, when, in the haughtiness of his power, he visited those fair prov- inces of his which stretch through the Milanese, he took in his hand the plow, source of mightiest wealth, and plowed therewith a whole ridge of those lovely downs that slope away to the plains, of central Italy. In our own republic I remember to have seen the venerable Timothy Pickering, the jDcrsonal friend of . Washington, who had been brave in war and illustrious in the national councils, at one of the cattle shows of the Essex Co. Society, take off his coat and hold a plow drawn by four oxen. He was a tall, gaunt man, and he won the approbation of the surrounding yoemen as knowing how to hold a plow well. Some of our best and noblest statesmen have been cultivators of the soil, and although they may not have practically held plows, they employed others to, and they saw that the work was well done. Washington at Mount Vernon, Jefferson at Monticello, Webster at Marshfield, Clay at Ashland, Calhoun at Fort Hill, and Burnside at Bristol, have demonstrated their love for the science of agriculture. They, witli many other men of note, regarded agri- culture as the great wheel which moves all the machinery of society. Whatever gives to this a new impulse or energy -com- municates a corresponding impetus to the thousand minor wheels of interest which it propels and regulates. Providence seems wisely to have ordained that, because this is the most necessary em- ployment towards the subsistence and comfort of the human family, its labors shall receive the highest and most substantial reward. THE FUTURE OF ORNAMENTALS. Whittier somewhere has some beautiful thoughts which we cannot now recall in the original verse, warning us against the belief that all that is grand has gone before. The glory of Sinai and the great mystery of the Burning Bush, are everywhere about us he says still, if we will open our eyes to see. So thought we when reading recently a paper in a popular magazine on the lost arts of gardening. The glories of Persian flowers, and the hanging gardens of Babylon were spoken of as sights, the equal of which 318 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the world again would never see. Then, perhaps, we never may, even if the halo of age has not given them a charm they never themselves possessed ; but beauties the ancients never saw are still in the world to-day, and here in our own land we may have garden charms that no other portion of the earth may enjoy. We may not have just what other people have ; but our warm summers, and dry and sun-lighted winters ; our numerous spring- flowers and brilliant autumn scenery, which of itself rivals Whit- tier's envied Burning Bush ; all give us advantages together which cannot be had in any part of the world. But unfortunately — the slaves of old world ideas to a great extent — comparatively few wealthy of our own people take the same personal interest in landscape gardening and garden beauty, as do the more independent class in the old world. Very seldom do we find any of this class willing to lead off in the encouragement of horticultural societies, as do the wealthy independents of the old world ; aiid even a horticultural society, instead of being a body for the encourage- ment of a fine art, has in many cases come to be considered as little more than the adjunct to a farm ; and in nine cases out of ten, the whole exhibition is mixed up with fat oxen, fast horses, or the dog show. Then our literature follows European garden literature, and even our best practicing gardeners receive their education in a foreign land. All this is not favorable to the distinctively American style of gardening, which we might have if more atten- tion could be drawn to the '^Burning Bushes'' everywhere around. When we look on our woodland just as we write, gay with the brilliant tints of the black gum and sassafras ; the broken under- brush where sumac and spice bush predomniate ; and the waste places brilliant with asters, golden rods and cinnamon ferns ; and note how these elements alone might be improved on, we cannot but feel what a field is here. For, be it remembered, that true gardening does not consist in forcing trees and shrubs and flowers into forms, the likeness of which we do not find either in the heavens above or the earth beneath, but in taking the best features of nature which she only exhibits here and there, and combining them into a beauty spot which even gay nature would herself stop to admire. And let this be our "'Seasonable Hints" for this month. We usually devote our thoughts more to the hewers of wood and the drawers of water, in these chapters. To-day let 'us talk with those who love beauty, and gardens filled with it. It is' surely their Secretary's Budget. 319 field-day, when all is so suggestive everywhere around. Study well what is to be seen. Think well over it during the coming winter months. Read works on landscape art and landscape work if you will ; but let the lessons of American autumn scenery have a due place among your thoughts, and when in the spring-time you will have decided on what your garden shall be like for the next year, we are sure our hints here given will not be lost. — Ed. Gardner's Monthly. SET OUT TREES. Set out trees ! adorn the homestead. Make it pleasant all around, Let the elms, and oaks and maples . With the evergi-eens abound : Let the home be so attractive That the boy that is to-day, When he shall arrive at manhood i And in foreign lands will stray. May turn with longing heart and loving To his home these hills among. Thinking how the trees are thriving Which he helped to plant when young'. Set out trees ! yes plant an orchard, Dear, good farmer do you know Of the wealth there is in fruit trees. For the labor you bestow ? How the apples turn to money. With the peaches, plums and pears, And the luscious bright red cherries — All the fruit the orchard bears ? Little children love the fruit trees : How they wait, with what delight. For the coming of their blossoms. In their robes of pink and white. Never flowers were half so pretty. Never such profusion shown. As Dame Nature gives the fruit trees, With a glory all their own. Set out trees ! upon the common, Ashes, linden, poplars, birch : Set them out around the schoolhouse. Plant them thick about the church, Have the children's play-ground shaded, And the public walks as well, 320 Mlsi^uuri State Horticultural Society. And the joys from these arising Coming ages glad will tell. These shall live, and grow, and gladden. While we moulder 'neath their leaves, — Let us then improve the present. Leave behind us priceless trees. — Mrs. Annie G. Marshall. WISE LIBERALITY. Peter M. Gideon is widely known for his energetic and suc- cessful efforts in producing new varieties of fruits hardy enough for Minnesota. Among those which he has raised is the Wealthy apple, a variety which promises to be as valuable for that region as the Baldwin is at the east, and which is estimated to be worth a million dollars to that state. 0. Gibbs, Jr., stated at the last meeting of the American Pomological Society, that in recognition of the valuable services Mr. Gideon has rendered and is still en- gaged in, the State of Minnesota gives him a thousand dollars a year, and the use of a farm on Lake Minnetonka, to continue his experiments without interference, for an annual report to the regents of the State University. SEASONABLE HINTS. Flower gardening has its charms, and that class of gardening which deals with landscape effects is c^elightful. But it is doubtful whether these give more pleasure tlian a well ordered fruit and vegetable garden, or a nicely kept and well cared for orchard. The small gardens attached to residences of moderate means, are often far more attractive than the thousand dollar efforts on lawns of i^eople of more pretensions to taste and wealth. Indeed, it is too often a subject of regret that, where there is a beautiful specimen of landscape gardening to be seen, the vege- table garden, instead of being a beauty spot, is a mere " truck patch " torn up by the plow, rooted about by the harrow, in holes and hills everywhere, with dirt and filth on the "headland" which serves for a " track to the patch," one can scarely pick his way. We use the masculine term deliberately, because ladies are never known to visit these places. There is nothing attractive to the delicate mind. The vegetable garden is solely a matter of profit. It is in competition with the market stand. If a bushel of pota- toes costs a dollar, the gardener must laroduce them for ninety-nine cents, or his occupation is gone. Hence, the horse and plough only must be thought of. ' Secretary's Budget. 321 The road must be wide enough to haul manure in with the cart, and the horse and hoe-harrow kept in view when the rows of vegetables are provided for. But in the neat cottage garden we find a main path of gravel or gi-ass, neatly kept. An edging of box, or some other dwarf growing plant, a border two or three feet wide, in which are peonys and double butter-cups, rocketts, sweet-williams, love in the mist and love entangle, and loads of real flowers, showy, sweet-scented and enchanting. Then there are the back-grounds of currants and gooseberries, or trained fruir trees, the beds of laspberries, with their deep mulch to keep the soil cool. Blackberries trained to stakes, so that one may carefully get among them, and with surface dressings of rich manure, so that the fruit may be sugary, succulent, and jovial to look upon. The beds of asparagus, herbs, onions, and salads are all neatly lined out, and not a weed to be seen anywhere. Who that loves garden- in,g has not met with such a scene ? and who, once seeing, would ever forget ? No plough or iiorse ever enters there. The digging fork and the wheelbarrow are the ruling powers, and when at rest, are found enjoying themselves in a regular palace of a ''toolery" at the garden end. There is a pleasure in such gardening for which no penny saved in tl}e market-house, or at the peddlar's wagon is any sort of com- pensation. But is there any saving? We think by no means al- ways. We know of some good vegetable gardeners who will get more out of a rod of land with the spade and the hoe, than the horse man with his best machinery will get from an acre. Of course, all this is intended for the encouragement of the amateur gardener. In your conventions and horticultural meetings, he is rarely considered. The market man and the thousand acre orchard- ist have it all their own way. We do not want to neglect them ; they should not be neglected. The men who grow fruits and vege- tables for market on a grand scale are among the makers of our earthly paradise. We give them many a chapter in our columns. But they do not give all the pleasure there is in gardening, nor by any means all the profit. Just now, we are reminded of these things, because it will not be long before we shall be in the midst of horticultural meetings and conventions. These have lost, in a great measure, their popular charm. The best people in the towns or cities where the meetings are held seldom attend them. They are looked on simj^ly as trade gatherings, in which the community at large has no interest. It should be the aim of these bodies to interest all. They should 322 Missouri State Horticultural Society. * never forget that there are amateurs who love, as well as growers who profit by, the advance of horticulture. PRIMITIVE HORTICULTURE. Prof, J. B. Steere, of the University, said : Fruits are attractive to the eye and taste for the same reason that seeds of dandelions and thistles have downy wings, or burdocks have spines, to enable the seeds to be distributed and the plants disseminated over wide areas. Fruit seeds are largely carried from place to place by birds, and were the fruit of neutral tints, or disagreeable flavor, birds would neither notice, taste nor devour them. Fruits were the earliest food of man, as they are of the larger aj)es, which have no fire to render digestible by cooking the portions of such starchy plants as are used for food. For ages man has been cultivating the various starchy foods, such as the potato, artichoke, etc., until now there is scarcely a family of plants which does not contribute to his support. After primitive man had begun the cultivation of fi'uits and roots, the next step in advance was the improvement of imple- ments, irrigation and the use of fertilizers. The gathering into settlements and towns was a natural sequence, aud then man ceased to be savage. The plow and the spade are characteristic of this stage. Ownership of laud, Avealth and hixury followed, and new channels of gratification sought ; men turned to the long neglected fruits; and the cultivation of them began. The Eastern hemis- phere has produced most of the important fruits ; the American continent but a few. American cultivation has been turned to the small fruits, sucli as the strawberry, and crossing our species with closely allied European varieties, by which means an improved product has been originated, bivilized man, like the savages, uses his fruits and starches for the manufacture of intoxicants. W'Hittier's poem on the burning Busn. Oh, someLinies gleams upon our siglit Through present wrong the Eternal Right ! And step by step, since time began. We see the steady gain of man ; — That all of good the past hath had Remains to make our own time glad, Our common daily life divine, And every land a Palestine. We lack but open eye and ear To find the Orient's marvels here, Secretary's Budget. 323 The still small voice in autumn's hush Yon maple wood the burning bush. For still the new transcends the old, In signs and tokens manifold ; Slaves rise up men, the olive waves With roots deep set in battle graves. Through the harsh noises of our day A low, sweet prelude finds its way ; Through clouds of doubt and creeds of fear A light is breaking calm and clear. Henceforth my heart shall sigh no more For olden time and holier shore ; God's love and blessing, then and there. Are now, and here, and everywhere. VEGETABLES. OHIO EXPERIMFNTS. Experiments at the Ohio Station, the latest official report of which has just been published, showed that potatoes gave much larger yields in two successive years, with whole tubers' than with cutting to one eye — 302 and 2G4 bushels per acre for the first method, against 164 and 135 bushels for the second ; ripening was nine days earlier with the wliole seed. All was planted at the same distance apart, twelve inches in the row ; it is remarked that the one-eyed pieces might be planted closer, and the seed saved when, scarce and costly. With different fertilizers on this crop one remarkable result was a heavier product with coal ashes than with hen or stable manure, superphosphate or lime. A soil that can be so improved by a mere mechanical alteration, which, agricultural chemists think, is all that could be gained by the addition of the coal ashes, would not seem to be well adapted for experiments with fertilizers. In these tests no unmanured plots were left for stand- ards of comparison. — N. Y. Tribune. ' THE LARGEST YIELD OF POTATOES. No farmer has yet learned what the largest yield of any crojj may be, and few have learned how very largely the yields of our common crops may be increased. The ag. editor of the iY. Y. 324 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Times says that he has grown over six hundred bushels of potatoes, one hundred and fifty bushels of shelled corn, eighty bushels of oats, fifty bushels of wheat, and five tons of hay per acre, and these large yields have been considerably exceeded by other farmers. The largest yield of potatoes, however, tlie ag. editor of the Times goes on to say, deseves to be credited to the editor of the Rural New-YorJcer, who, in his experimental grounds, has made the fol- lowing yields : 524 bushels, 540, 544, 726, 877, 998, 1,050, 1,075, 1,189, and 1,391 bushels per acre, or at that rate per acre, in several plots, each of different varieties, besides many others vary- ing from below 500 to above that number, the largest, however, being 1,391 bushels. The ground was fertilized by a mixture of fertilizers oiily and no manure, and containing every element of plant food, including salt, lime, potash salts, ammonia salts, super- phosphate of lime, bone flour, and others. The variations show satisfactorily that much depends upon the kind of potato grown. The above notes were not copied from the R. N.-Y., but are the result of the observations of the editor of the N. Y. Times, made at the Rural grounds. SALT FOE ASPAKAGUS. Parker Earle tried salt to kill grubs in asparagus beds, but found it to kill weeds and most of the asparagus, while the grubs seemed to enjoy the application, and he found it of little value as a manure. This is in accordance with the experience of other cul- tivators, and also of those who live near the salt air of the sea, while others find it quite useful when applied at the rate of forty or sixty pounds to the square rod. These facts show the impor- tance of trying the experiment in different and varying localities. So with superphosphates, which have generally proved valuable for asparagus, but in some places they have little or no effect. TOMATOES. The Cardinal, a so-called new variety, producing large bright, scarlet fruit, which is usually nearly or quite smooth, but quite late in ripening. The Favorite (Livingstones Favorite), is medium in season, and this he regards as its greatest fault. The New Eed Apple yields medium to large, very smooth fruits, which matured this sea- son earlier than either of the above sorts. The Perfection (Living- stones Perfection) produces medium to large, very deep red fruits, usually smooth, but often rough at the blossom end. In season about the same as the Favorite. The Paragon yields very smooth, medium to small scarlet Secretary's Budget. 325 fruits wliicli commenced ripening this year five days before the Favorite or Perfection. The Red Chief yields bright scarlet fruits of medium size, usually smooth ; in season, medium. The Rochester yields fruit of the largest size, of a deep red color ; rather smooth upon the whole, though often rough about the stems ; a late variety. Tilden's New yields bright scarlet, small to medium fruits, usually very smooth. The Acme, though faultless in form, has the fault" of rotting badly in sections Avhere tomatoes are subject to this disease. Its earliness, together with the remarkable smoothness of its fruit, will doubtless retain foi- it many friends. He has grown two sorts which are the same as the Acme ; the one, Essex Early Hybrid, the other, a variety, the seeds of which are said to have come from South America. Tfie Early Red Smooth, with him, seems to be the same as the Extra Early Red, and the Early Round Red Smooth. It has the merit of earliness, smoothness of fi'uit, and little tendency to rot. We rani< this as one of the most desirable of sorts. The Mayflower has the tendency to produce small frufts which he hopes may disappear after a little longer selection. It is early, but has not sustained its reputation as being one of the first earlies. The Boston Market produces medium to small fruits, usually very smooth, but only inedium in season. The Alpha is a very early variety, medium size, quite smooth, but often inclining to rough- ness. The Trophy varies much in size ; sometimes so small as to be almost worthless, at others very large. In shape also it is quite variable, sometimes being very rough ; in season intermediate. The Yellow Victor and Golden Trophy are of good size, fairly smooth, and are useful varieties to those who desire a yellow tomato. Besides these standard varieties, there are several sorts which, though possessing little value for the table, have a certain value to the amateur as cui'iosities. Among these the Apple, Pear, Cherry, Plum and Currant Tomatoes. WHAT WOMEN HAVE DONE AND WHAT THEY CAN DO. Carlyle says : ' ' Blessed is the man who has found his work ; let him seek no other blessedness." Equally blessed is the woman who has found her work. Man was made to attend to the sterner duties of life ; to till the soil ; oversee business houses ; and in a general way he, with his superior strength, was set apart to perform the duties of the sterner sex. 326 Missouri State Horticultural Society Woman was made to beautify and grace the home. To there perform that invisible work which, although less attractive, is inevitable both to life and happiness. The home is, in the majority of cases, her field of action; and "the home" says an eminent writer, "is the center of joy." We have spoken of woman in her general work, but I hope to show that it is highly proper and, indeed, necessary to a happy life, that a woman have some particular work, in which she excels. When a young man arrives at the age of twenty-one or there- abouts he feels called upon to choose his life-work, and why should not n young lady select the occupation to which she is best adapted and develop her talents with a view to excel in that particular branch ? Then if she should be thrown upon her own resources, she would not be utterly dependent, as so many young ladies are, when placed in such circumstances. But let us see what employments are open to women. The profession of literature has been from an early date. In fact, the first modern novel was written by a woman and met with high commendation. George Eliot has acquired universal fame through her literary productions. Others, whose names are pre-eminent, are Mrs. Hemans, Mrs. Browning, Adelaide Proctor, and Jean Ingelow. She also holds her place in the production of journals. A modern writer says : "In English literature there is hardly a department which woman does not adorn." But we must pass on. There are about thirty practicing women lawyers in the United States. Of these, Mrs. Lockwood is one of the most successful. Although I am an advocate of "Woman's Rights." in a limited degree, yet I would never vote for Belva Lockwood, as President of the United States, if I could. I think a lady has her proper sphere in life. Woman is gaining an in^.jiortant standing in the profession of medicine. Of one hundred and ninety-eight students in the Bos- ton University of Medicine, in 1870 or thereabouts, seventy-nine were ladies. Tliere are now over fifty practicing lady physicians in the city of Chicago. We are often confronted with some amusing incident connected with this subject, which shows tliat the female doctor is not yet universally adopted. A farmer living near a western city went hurriedly to town for a doctor. Noticing a sign, he went in at the first place. He asked of the neat little lady who met him: "Where's the doctor?" She replied : "I am the doctor." He turned red, whistled, and finally said : " Whew ! I hadn't calculated on a woman doctor, Secretary's Budget. 337 but I am in a hurry, jump in; I reckon Polly will be glad to see most anybody." And Polly still has the lady doctor. The musical world is, in every sense of the word, adorned by ladies. Three of the brightest lights are Patti, Nilsson and Langtry. They receive from 13,500 to $8,000 per week. At present, the race which your speaker represents are filling positions in the Government, both as clerks and also transacting official business. I noticed not long ago a little incident illustrat- ing the courage and determination of a lady applicant. A young girl one morning assailed the Hon. John Sherman in his office, and told him she wanted a position. He replied in a very cold tone that there was none. '" But," she says, ''such an answer will not do. If you will allow me, I will come every morning and black your shoes for you, if you can do no better by me." The Secretary was charmed, and in less thah a week she held a position in the Treasury. It seems to me that the value of woman^s inventive power is unappreciated as yet. She is quite an inventive genius. I wonder how many of the men in this assembly know that a woman made some inventions with respect to the combined action of the teeth and cutters on the mowing and reaping machine ? And how many of the ladies know that one of their sex has invented an ironing- pan to be sunk into a board for receiving the flat-iron ? This, if it comes into general use, will avoid many burned fingers, aching toes, and much trouble. But alas ! I find that woman has done so much that I cannot begin to exhaust the subject. We have seen that there are but few callings, comparatively speaking, in which woman does not find her place. Her genius and ready wit cannot be done away with. She maybe, and has been, besides what has been mentioned, a telegraph operator, an elocution teacher, a professional nurse, and not least of all, a canvasser. One thing should here be spoken of — a woman may be a good dressmaker, but not all are. I think the old saying, •' Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well," finds illustration here. A dressmaker in order to be successful must learn the trade. The average American woman has a good figure, when it is not distorted by a wretchedly fitting dress. To take a different view of the subject, let us mention a few ways in which women may earn money, if that is what they are seeking. 328 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Gardening may be carried on to a limited extent, and the cul- tivation of flowers may be made a specialty. Lima beans are quite easily raised apiid sell for a good price in the fall. Sweet corn may likewise be raised with some profit, even if some of the gain is lost in defraying the expense of hiring the harder part of the labor. Gardening, too, has the great advantage of being a decid- edly healthy occupation. A few years ago, a young girl who, from all appearances, was fatally ill with consumption, went to a country home and amused herself in the garden when she felt strong enough. She found the health-giving properties of the soil and recovered. She declared that the spade was her doctor. Kaising poultry is a paying occupation and one very largely engaged in. Eggs, if sold at the proper time, bring in the course of a year, quite a large sum. Bee-keeping is suid to be a very profitable and not very laborious employment. But we would not entirely overlook the domestic arts. In order to be a successful house-keeper, the lady of the liouse must be a good manager, for if " The butcher, the baker And the candlestick maker " are left to themselves, they will charge exorbitantly. Quite often men leave the control of such matters to their wives, and is it not a good way for a man burdened with business cures to give his wife an allowance and let her run the house ? But whatever may be said about a woman's other accomplishments, I think the science of cookery should not be omitted. Emerson says : " There is always a best way of doing anytJiing, if it be but to boil an egg." It has been said that the best way to approach a man is by means of his stomacli ; and as we all often want to approach a man on the right side, we want to be good cooks. It is said of the modern belle : " She had views on co-education And the principal needs of the nation : And her glasses were blue, and the numbers she knew Of the stars in each high constellation. And she wrote in hand-writing clerky, And she talked with an emphasis jerky , And she painted on tiles, in the sweetest of styles. But she didn't know chicken from turkey." Can this be said of all modern young ladies ? Secretary's Budget. 329 There are cooking schools being established in several of the states, where it is hoped that those girls who have not such advan- tages at home will be benefitted. Perhaps it will then be said of more as it was once of a departed wife. Her husband had very little education, and when asked to write an epitaph hesitated as to which of her many virtues to select. He finally decided on this : "Her picked-up dinners were a per- fect success." Besides being a highly approved employment, cooking is a pay- ing one. Some distinguished cooks in our country receive from 83,000 to 87,000 a year. And be li remembered that one may be a good cook, and at the same time excel in other ways. ' ' We may live without poetry, music and art. We may live without conscience, and live without heart, • We may live without friends, we may live without books, But civilized man cannot live without cooks." One thing remains to be said on this my subject, which is within my reach, and that is this : Women can write essays for horticultural meetings. EDUCATION ON THE FARM. One of the most absurd and mischievous errors of the day, it is truly asserted, is that of the father who gives to the son destined for a farmer an education inferior to that he bestows upon the one destined for a profession. The husbandman deserves a better edu- cation than a lawyer or a doctor, because his occupation requires the exercise of more knowledge ; but it is too generally the case that he is only allowed some snatched intervals between the crops, " to learn to read, write and cipher," and that is deemed education enough for a farmer ! What a wretched, miserable error is this — what a foe to the improvement and dignity of the class ! It ought, it must be banished, and the practice which results from it abol- ished, and a wiser and better one substituted. The farmer hiis need of a better education, and he actually requires the aid of more various branches of science in his ramified operations, than the member of any profession ; and I sincerely believe that if any discrimination should be made in the education of two sons, one destkied for a farmer and the other for a profession, it should be in favor of the former. — Ben Perley Poore, in American Cultivator. 330 Missouri State Horticultural Society. THE RUKAL's experiment WITH DIFFEREN"T FERTILIZERS ON POTATOES IN A "WORN OUT" SANDY-LOAM SOIL. As already stated, these experiments were designed to test the effect of the various concentrated constituents of which commercial fertilizers are composed, separately and in various combinations. The soil of the plots selected is a worn-out sandy loam, level, and naturally well-drained. There was no air stirring to interfere with the even distribution of the fertilizers ; the soil was mellow and moist without being wet, and with ample assistance, the entire work of sowing the fertilizers^ planting and finishing the plots, was accomplished between seven in the morning and sunset, April 14th. The seed had been cut several days previously, the White Star having been selected as, by its season of maturing, keejoing quali- ties and vigor, well suited to such tests. Potatoes of nearly the same size were cut in halves lengthwise, the seed end of each hav- ing been cut ofE and rejected. The seed conditions were made still more equal by using the same iueigltt of seed pieces to each plot. Trenches had been dug several days previously, two spades wide and six inches deep — the trenches six feet aj)art so that the roots of one trench should not reach and feed upon the fertilizer of the adjacent trenches. Later, two inches of soil were raked into the trenches and upon this the pieces (cut-surface doAvn) were placed one foot apart, April 14th, as we have said. Two inches of soil were raked over them, and the fertilizers applied as shown in the table. The first column gives the amount of fertilizers used in the different trenches. The next column shows the relative size of the tops (vines) of the potatoes, as they appeared June 16. The nat- ural soil is rated at five (5) ; and ten (10) is the maximum. The object of that is that our readers may compare the yield of tubers with the gi'owth (vigor) of the vines ; that, in other words, they may see to what extent the actual yield of potatoes was indicated by the size of the vines as they appeared at their best, June 16. The fourth column gives the actual weight, in pounds, of the pota- toes of each trench 33 feet in length. The fifth column gives the total number of tubers of each trench. All larger than a pea were counted. The sixth column gives the number of marketable pota- toes. The last column gives remarks, which are reprinted "from the Rural of various dates. Secretary's Budget. 331 POTATO FERTILIZER EXPERIMENTS. Showing the comparative yields in pounds, the fertilizers used, the relative size of vines and the number of patatoes, with remarks. Trenches two spades, 33 feet long ; variety White Star : VINE. YIELD. Pounds Total Market- FERTILIZER USED. per Growth weight Total able acre. June 16. lbs. No. potatoes No. 1. Nitrate of Soda. 200 9. 17 199 39 No 2. Sulphate of Ammo- nia. 120 8.50 17 255 41 No 3. Dissolved bone-black 400 5. 16 3-4 172 65 No. 4. No fertilizer 5. 13 3-4 157 55 . No. 5. Sulphate of potash (50 per cent. ) 300 5.50 21 170 82 No. 6. Plaster 400 5.50 19 1-4 161 75 No. 7. Lime. 2,000 6. 22 174 89 No. 8. Nitrate of Soda 200 Dissolved bone-black 400 9. 23 1-4 214 70 No. 9. No fertilizer. 5. 181-2 141 67 No. 10 . Nitrate of Soda 200 Sulphate of Potash 300 9. 313-4 261 113 No.-ll. , Dissolved bone-black 400 Sulphate of Potash 300 5.50 23 3-4 185 97 No. 12. Nitrate of Soda 200 Dissolved bone-black 400 10. 291-2 254 98 Sulphate of potash 300 No. 13. Fine ground bone 1,000 6.50 21 1-2 255 58 No. 16. No fertilizer 5. 23 1-2 227 64 No. 17 Mapes Potato Ma- nure. 800 10. 35 415 106 No. 18. Farm Manure, 2 years old. No. 19. No fertilizer. No. 20. Sifted coal ashes, 2 years old. No. 21. Kainit. ',000 8. 30 1-4 301 82 5. 191-4 187 55 400 bus. 5. 191-4 212 45 800 lbs. 5.50 21 3-4 184 60 332 Missouri State Horticultural Society. FEETILIZER USED. VIFE. Pounds per Growth acre. June 16. YIELD. Total weight Total lbs. No. Market- able potatoes No. 32. Kainit. 1,760 5.50 25 3-4 201 88 No. 23. No fertilizer. 5.50 21 178 65 No. 24. Unleached wood ashes from burnt brush 41 1-4 bus 5.50 221-2 184 78 No. 25. Hen Manure 55 bus. 9. 24 347 47 No. 26. No fertilizer. 5. 21 204 53 No. 27. Mapes' Potato Manure. Kainit. Hay Mulch. 500 lbs. 50 8. 47 248 168 No. 28. No fertilizer. REMARKS. Aug. 9th. The foliage of the plots which received nitrate of soda alone is now dying, not as if the tubers were maturing, but rather as if from some harm or disease. In the first nitrate of soda plot half of the plants are dead. Eesults on the foliage the same with sulphate of ammonia alone as with nitrate of soda alone, as above described. {Rural Aug. 9.) It will be remembered that all the plots that received nitrate of soda or ammonia salts were rated in our last report, in every instance, as giving the strongest and greenest growth of vines. That these plants should now be dying, evidently before maturity, is to us quite unaccountable. Phosphoric acid alone, or in combination with potash, failed to do any good. It is only when nitrate of soda or ammonia salts were spread on these with potash and phosphoric acid, forming a complete fertilizer, that any good effects are noticed. The plants fertilized with the dissolved bone black are all green. {Rural Aug. 9th.) The potato tops on all of the unfertilized plots appear to be the same in height, color and vigor ; the plants are all green. {Rural Aug. 9th.) Potash, whether in wood ashes or as sulphate or muriate of potash produces thus far, no additional growth of tops. Kainit alone changes tops to a yellowish color. {Rural Aug. 9th.) Secretary's Budget. 3oo Aug. 9th. Plants green, but no larger than those of nnfei'til- ized plots. Plants green and but very little larger than those of unfertilized plots. Rural Aug. 9th. One-third of the plants are dead. Foliage remains green. [Rural Aug." 9th.) Foliage green and shows no sign of maturing. {Rural Aug. 9th.) Neither potash alone, phosphoric acid alone, nor phosphoric acid and potash cause any additional growth over the unfertilized plots. [Rural July 5th.) Neither potash alone, phosphoric acid alone, nor phosphoric acid and potash cause any additional growth over the unfertilized plots. Either nitrogen or ammonia salts, however, in every plot cause a decided increase in growth, while the complete fertilizers stand first. [Rural July oth.) Foliage turning yellow here and there as if in the first stages of maturing. [Rural Aug. 9th.) Foliage jjoor. Eaw bone helped somewhat. [Rural July 5th.) The vines of these potatoes are of a yellowish-green, as if be- ginning to mature. [Rural Aug. 9th.) This farm manure plot is likely to gain as compared with the oth- ers as the season advances. {Rural July 5th.) Foliage has not changed since our last report. [Rural Aug. 9th.) This plot with old horse manure is, singularly enough, scarcely better -than the unmanured plots at the present tim.e. Harvest may tell a different story. Next year this stable manure plot would probably out-yield any of the others. [Rural Aug. 9th.) Foliage as green as that of any other. [Rural Aug. 9th.) The foliage of these kainit plots is a yellowish-green, the same as from the beginning. [Rural Aug. 9t]i.) These plots 21 and 32, whether 880 or 1760 pounds are used, are scarcely better than the unfertilized plots. (Rural Jn\j 5th.) Foliage the same on both. (Rural A.\xg. 9th.) Unleached ashes seem to have no effect. [Rural July 5th.) Plants on this plot are quite green. [Rural Aug. 9th.) The plants of this plot are turning yellow. [Rural Aug. 9th.) In case of continued dry weather we should look for improve- ment in the mulched plot over the others. {Rural July 5th.) The vines of this plot are all green and the thriftliest of any. [Rural Aug. 9th.) Not measured. Smallest of all. As regards the yield per acre, we will give the two extremes — 334 Missouri State Horticultural Society. 1st the mulched plot (No. 27) which received potato fertilizer and kainit ; and, 2nd, the average yield of the plots not fertilized. It will be remembered that the trenches were six feet apart. Very likely they would have yielded just as well had they been three feet apart, the distance usually allowed. At six feet apart the yield of the mulched plot (No. 27) was at the rate of 172.33 bushels to the acre, or 344.66, were we to estimate the yield from trenches three feet apart. The average yield of the plots not fertilized, at six feet apart, was at the rate of 69.66 bushels to the acre — or had the trenches been three feet apart, double that amount, or 139.32 bushels to the acre. If we take the average yield of all the plots which did not receive ''complete^' fertilizers, we find it to be, at six feet apart, at the rate of 79.75 bushels to the acre — or at three feet apart, 159.50 to the acre. The special fertilizer therefore increased the yield only 10 bushels to the acre, if we reckon at six feet apart ; and 20 bushels, if at three feet apart, as compared with the natural soil ; while the comjjlete fertilizer and hay mulch increased the yield, over the natural soil, 102.69 bushels to the acre, if planted six feet apart ; and 205.38 bushels to the acre, if planted three feet apart. With the complete fertilizer ( potash, nitrogen and phosphoric acid) and without the hay mulch (Plot No. 17), the yield was increased, over the natural soil or unfertilized i3lots, 58.67 bushels to the acre at six feet and at three feet, 117.34 bushels to the acre. With the complete fertilizer of plot No. 12 the yield was increased 38.50 bushels if planted six feet apart, and 77.00 bushels if three feet apart. We have been particular to give this experiment at con- siderable length and with a repetition of details and results, because all the conditions were seemingly favorable, from the beginning to the end, to render the tests as instructive as if they had been conducted, under other conditions, for a series of years. THE POTATO-SEED PUZZLE. Professor J. W. Sanborn, of the Missouri Agricultural College, at Columbia, rightly thinks it not beneath the dignity of experi- ment stations to amass facts to guide even so seemingly simple an operation of the farm as preparation of seed potatoes. The justice of this view clearly appears from calculation that between the ex- tremes in the practice of the several methods, there is involved at least the use of ten bushels extra of seed per acre (worth, according to prevailing prices, from 15 to $15) or in his own state 75,000,000 Secretary's Biiclgei. 335 bushels each year, and if the consequent variation in yield is placed at ten per cent, the Missouri crop may be thus modified by more than half a million bushels per annum : "Agriculture is woefully prolific of such unsettled problems, seemingly of little moment, yet the aggregate of each and the sum of them all is of momentous importance to civilization, as the unit of labor essential to produce a given amount of food, or of the raw products for the arts, measures all progress." The botanical consideration has influence in keeping this among the multitude of puzzles in husbandry ajipareutly easy of solution, yet still perplexed by contradictory views and reported experiences : " Many assert that inasmuch as the tuber is not the true seed, which seed is found on the tops in the potato ball, and that inas- much as the eye is but the bud, it matters not whether the plant is propagated from a large potato or a small one, from one eye or from many." Thus it becomes apparent from the foregoing that the profes- sor, who easily ranks among tlie first of our practical experimenters, was right in taking up this vexed question in preference to seem- ingly more "profound work," and the data of tests of nine consecu- tive years, as given with sufficient detail in an eight-page bulletin just issued, cannot fail to interest all who raise potatoes. And it is remarkable and looks like a long step toward the sohition of the difficulty, that uniformly the crop during all this time was in pro- portion to the quantity of seed. Against " one eye to the hill," advocated by many good farmers, the professor says : Among the very few official trials that have reached my attention, I have seen none that favor this view, in the ordinary way of cut- ting potatoes. Since beginning these trials, I have seen two foreign tests, covering about seven years each, wherein the effect of cutting on the future vigor of the plant was studied, with results against fine cutting. One eye and small potatoes gave less favorable results at the Ohio Experiment Station last year than whole potatoes. I think it entirely safe to affirm that light seeding of potatoes, or thi use of small potatoes for seed, will result unfortunately in ordinarv hands on ordinary soil in ordinary fertility, esj)ecially if deepl\- planted. These views rest mainly upon the fact that careful tests shov.- them to be good, and that theoretically judgment approves them. "The young plant receives no nourishment, except from the seed used, until the leaf appears above the ground. At the usual 336 Miscoiiri Si ale Horticultural Society. depth of planting, this period is so long that no inconsiderable support is derived from the seed before other sources supply the plant. The reason of the failure of one eye this season, in new hands, to appear above ground, I ascribe in part to unusual depth in planting and the failure of nourishment to give it vigor for the three weeks in which it is opening its leaves to the air. That this nourishment is often of vital importance is seen m the far greater vigor of plants from large seed against seed cut or ago lust small potatoes. The leaf is broader, the stem stronger, and the whole top, always in my experience, much in advance of those tops grown from severely-cut potatoes or those grown from small potaitoes." In reference to the reports from farmers who found, or think they found, by one measurement by the eye, that light seeding is as good as heavy. Professor Sanborn infers that this result has usually been in cases of extra rich soil, or heavy manuring, fine pulverization and planting not too deep : "Such conditions give to the plant, food relatively quick, through its roots in abundance. I found that the relative results vary with the season. Thus the more favorable the season and the better the conditions the greater the relative yield from light seeding. Our farmers must then bear in mind that the good results reported from light seeding of potatoes are ofte t>gu esses ; generally from market gardeners, or obtained undei* favorable conditions, while the failures are not reported. Good conditions you want." For the benefit of those who may like to see the figures upon which the above conclusions are founded we append the table giving average returns for seven years from measured ground and weighed potatoes, the product of two farms and in agreement Avith unre- corded results on a third farm. PRODUCT PER ACRE, From seed of whole potatoes, large 334.1 bushels. From seed of whole potatoes, small 177. bushels. From seed of stem end of potato 148. bushels. From seed of seed end of potato 168. bushels. From one eye to the hill 81. bushels. From two eyes to the hill 104. bushels. From three eyes to the hill 160. bushels. Secretary's Budget. 337 VALUE PER ACRE AT 50 CENTS PER BUSHEL. From large potatoes 1113 50 From small potatoes 88 50 From stem end 74 00 From seed end 84 00 From one eye 40 50 From two eyes 52 00 From three eyes 80 00 These tigures are the more significant on account of the length of time and variety of conditions involved, and we i;hink fully warrant the Professor and TJie Tribune in inviting to them careful attention of those seeking facts for use in farming for profit. GRAPES. GRAPE CULTURE. At a meeting of the Summit (Ohio) County Horticultural Society, after other very interesting proceedings, among which was a most interesting essay on Woman's Work, by Miss G. B. Sackett. M. Crawford, of Cuyahoga county, took up the subject of grape culture which he handled like an expert. Among other remarks he said there was a pressing need of more light on this subject, for the reason that such knowledge can be turned to good account by nearly all classes. Wc cannot all have an orchard, said Mr. Crawford, nor even a fruit tree. Some have no room for a row of currant bushes nor a strawberry bed ; but who has not room for a grape vine? Its branches may be trained on a building or a fence. Its roots will run under the side walk beneath the building — anywhere and everywhere — in reach of plant food. * * * * * * * Grapes may be grown in all parts of the United States and Canada, wherever a grape grower can be found ; and the more un- favorable the locality the greater will be the success, for this reason : the greater the difficulty to overcome the greater effort will be put forth. If he lives far north he will cover his vines in winter ; if far south he will plant on the north side of a hill or building. If his ground be too wet he will drain it, or plant in a raised border. The 338 Missouri State Horticultural Society. hills of Southern Ohio are specially adapted to this fruity but'Cin- cinnati gets her grapes from the shores of Lake Erie. All over the South the vine is at home, yet New Orleans sends to New York for grapes. Campbell, of Delaware, Ohio, has the meanest place in the country to raise grapes, but he has splendid success. Dr. Buckley in his travels found a noted vineyard where the vines are planted in baskets and fastened to a bare rock six or seven hundred feet high. Here we simply remark that would do in a country that stands up edgewise and where labor is cheap and de- grading ; but where labor is remunerated, as it is and will be for many years .yet to come in this country, that kind of situations and that amount of labor are not sought after. After telling where and how to plant, Mr. 0. remarks on distance apart ; vines may be set three feet apart and kept bearing. Thirteen years ago he planted a lot of vines in a row thirteen inches apart and two in a place. The second year he allowed one in each place to bear a large crop and then cut it away in the fall. These vines have remained in good condition ever since although as much fruit miglit have been produced if they had been tliinned to five feet apart at first, and then to ten. He cautiously remarks, however, that the above is given to show what may be done and not what should be done, and continues : My experience leads me to believe that a vine is more likely to continue in health if it is allowed to increase in size. In nearly every instance a thinning of the vines has been followed by satisfactory results. One grower who has thinned to fifteen feet apart claims to have found the best distance. For a vineyard I would plant eight feet apart, and in a town lot I would plant wherever I could find room. The choice of varieties, soil and its preparation, etc., are treated, and as to fertilizers, Mr. C. says barnyard manure is first, and after that bone-dust and ashes, and recommends that they be applied in the fall after the fruit is gathered. Some summer pruning he thinks necessary, no matter how much science and skill may have been exercised in the spring pruning. Some eyes will start out sooner than others, and unless pinched off early will take too much sap, leaving other parts of the vine in a starving condition. THE MOORE's (4 rape. The originator imposed upon this grape the name of Moore's Early : but, in accordance with the spirit of the rules of pomology, adopted a year since by the American Pomological Society, we drop the redundant word, and designate it simply by its distinctive name — that of the originator. Secretary's Budget. ■ 339 Although it can, as yet, hardly be said to have thoroughly established for itself a reputation at the West, experience so far seems to justify its character, as given in the latest edition of the Bushberg Catalogue, wliich I quote as follows : "Bunch smaller ( than Concord) and rarely shouldered, but berries somewhat larger. It is, in similar soils and localities, as healthy and hardy as its parent ( Concord ). It is equal to the Concord in quality ; but ripens about two weeks earlier, being better than Hartford, Champion or Talman, and quite as early." This is certainly not very high praise, and' I fancy there may be found, among the many newer varieties, those that, by the critical pomologist, will be esteemed to be greatly its superior. Still this appears to possess qualities of both plant and fruit which eminently fit it to fill a place, in advance of the season of its par- ent, as the early grape for the people at large. — T. T. Lyon. MOORE's EA.RLY GRAPE. The reason why we have never said much of Moore's Early Grape is that our vines had not, until the present season, come into full bearing, and we were late in procuring vines. Of all our col- lection Moore's Early ripens first. All grapes were late the past season, and when (September 1) the Moore's Early were picked, there was not a fully ripe bunch to be found upon any other vine. The quality is just that of the Concord ; but the berry is larger — too large indeed to swallow whole. The bunches are smaller than those of the Concord. • QRAPE NOTES IN TEXAS, The following table was carefully compiled from notes taken chiefly in my experimental vineyard, but supplemented in some points from notes taken in neighboring vineyards, by myself or others, and data as to origin, etc., of most varieties, from Bush & Son & Meissner's able manual on the grape. It was compiled specially to aid me in my work of originating new varieties. My method of hybridizing — which I term the "natural method " — requires a knowledge of the times of blooming. Along with this I wished to know the weak and strong points, relatively, of each species and variety, so as to avoid the one and preserve the other in my |)roductions. The table is eminently practical, and as scientific as I dare make it for popular reading ; but the true viticulturist, or he who desires to be such, will not object on that account. 340 Missouri State Horticultural Society. The artificial method of hybridizing, though ever so carefully practiced, is liable to mar the exquisitely tender pollen grains or the stigma, or in it the pollen or stigma is under or over-ripe, and thus, at the very starting of the variety sought, constitutional weakness is induced, while by my method this is avoided, I may have to plant more seed and grow more seedlings to fruiting age, to get the hybrids desired ; yet my method saves in one way what is lost in another ; it produces a perfectly natural and healthy hybrid or cross, and a great multiplicity of these to select from, so nothing weak or indifferent need be taken, as is usually done in the artificial method with scissors, brush and magnifier ; this process being so tedious, comparatively few vines can be grown. For the benefit of those who wish to know my method I give it here : For the female parent I select a variety which blooms a few days later than the one chosen for the male parent (the jjollen- furuisher;, unless I design to grow varieties from both, then blooming- together or a few days apart ; either way will do, as many fruits on either will contain hybrid seeds. I plant these two vig- orous, young vines, one on each side of the same post, and train them up side by side till they reach their most vigorous bearing- season. A day or two before they begin to bloom, I surround both entirely with thin muslin arms on the post keeping it off the plants ; thus no insects can jDass in or out. Every day, after each l^lant has commenced to bloom till through, about 10 a. m., when most blooms are opening, I lift the bottom of the muslin, intro- duce my hand with a fan, and gently fan, so as to create a circulation of air within the muslin : thus the air will become filled with pollen, and numerous crosses be made, while there is no pos- sibility of any mixture except that of the two vines used. The muslin is kept closed until blooming is over. The fan is cleaned by brushing, or passing it through a flame, to get rid of any pollen grains that may have adhered to it, so as not to vitiate other exper- iments with other vines on the same plan. [ ^^e have found in some years that the pollen is ripe before the cap falls ; in other years (as during the past season) it was not ripe generally until after. We should suppose by Mr. Munson's method that a very large per centage of seeds would be the result of self-fertilization. —Eds.] If it is desired to hybridize kinds which have different seasons of blooming, such as Rupestris and Cinerea (the earliest and latest bloomers,) I pinch off the first growth of the earliest for several days, so that some at least of the new growth will be blooming at Secretary's Budget. 341 the same time as the later kind. Almost any kind can thus be made to bloom when wanted. To grow seedlings largely this way, one must make all due preparations, and attend to the work with business-like care ; good results may then be reasonably expected, as in the case of any otlier crop intelligently produced. The super- stitious idea, so common, that a chance seedling is more liable to produce something desirable than one intelligently produced, is akin to the notion that a lottery ticket is the best investment. Lot- tery tickets and chance seedlings sometimes draw prizes, but seek- ing these will never constitute a legitimate or laudable employment. To make such long experiments as I describe, is almost a lifers work, and the benefits are likely to fall upon future generations. Few are prepared for them, or patient enough to consummate them. Let those who are inclined to such work preserve the following- table, and thus save long years of labor in securing the facts it contains. The varieties are named in the order in which they bloom, excepting some of my seedlings whose time has not yet been observed. The date of blooming was taken when the kinds were fairly started in blossom. The table will be valuable for any section, as from it the order of leafing and ripening can also be obtained. For the information of those unacquainted with the specific bo- tanical names, let me state — the genus Vitis, (the Grape) has been divided into species according to peculiar characteristics belonging to every plant in each group or species, thus : 342 Missouri State Horticultural Society V. (D ^ 03 g' •ima^ ^o azis II i ;- *-; -M o ^ o S =c X *•? ^ 5 s= cs "5 ; = § 2 =« >> ^S fc, t- o 3 -/) 2 ja-o o CM 0^ CO O O cj •j2 ^ i; S O DO 5= 3-e • ^ a t* C ,01 eS ■ ^ -» t^ W3 ^-s S a; 2 1 I ca: jjgj i S ^^i O! S ' - 03 O ■S'ex9x 'nosingQ i'b ajBQ liO lOO^ bo >> tlO < •peAoj^sap-y 'joj pepioap-a 'joa soios-a s '^oj ou-H o •xoa >io aaaoaa O O M O « m O 03 O uoissaoons m A^ep paB mnoj^ •akiMooia— aoKaosaaon>iNi a^Bi-q'AxJiBa-a'iiaBa iaaA-a;A xno oNIava^— NoiiVNasA lo I 33 w r J :^> a- - I 3 ® » 4_) £> O) S^ O .ac4H "^ o. ^ a §^ S| « a ^ a 2 61 o S ei =*^ a 60 ■5.3 *- • 2 '^ p.*? g 03 IE oTKH ■« a ,^ OP cd a o §5-2 M *i a » 01 x' ?c^2ft ^£g.2t* g'^-a-- W Hi I & i4Ph ft 3 'no I I ^5 Secretary's Budget. 343 ' Mfe:^ 05^. 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'^' •sAnns. .3.0 azis ►J gij^j' S- ^jgcog: ■Jl ' jS = lO:; ; •SBxax 'nosinao: 1'b ai^o: •iiaH>i .io ij,ianj.YK I aoc si >> si >> bi. >> 39 3 3 bi 3 O 3 •p8iCoJis8p-j/ 'lOJ papioap-ji •xoa d;o aaaoaa P5 «, , JCPS CO' ' O en - 0;: K I o « o ' cso — noissaoons ui jJBp puB q^uoH ■akiKoo'ia — kaNaosaaoaiNi I I I 12:: ;: I I IS. •ino OKi^ivai -NoixvNaaA g I I i |gj^' = ' HS= ' J= 63 J> ' J' ' s ■■J* s a as X! o m n < ?''s''C'!3 S ^ 1^ 3 JaSS o Hill I I iH- l^a' I Ir-a- ien I o ^a- >a- H' > a:: s E-> ■JlBa-vi-jVi 'tuiupaui-i\[ 'sno JOSii jiaaA-A A 'snoaoSiA-A ■HXAioao t>' > » I— ( 2 c c 2 2 < s o 'X 2 -a 1 i o X. o S ^ o tioJ'SoSp^. c ^- i; § s ■ 1 1 ,-r ':^- m^ ®oOKa;3 .55^^ ■ S 1 6C' Irs Mun Rick Prin Lem McK Sear Neil Mun « . ft ^><. . . .>^.2h_ gS><_ y.. >*ik 1 ^^ .. y.^ ^ . 0- -. * ^j .j3 (D- - CD S 03 cd.y-* OJ- .fc,*(I)- cs- ©^^ p< z^ >ZO&H PhHHOS H !z;Oeh o h z O O 3^ ■SO S ■ 3 J= O d-:.5pK ^5 X ^ 1 6£- o «p^ X 3 < 1-1 ox . o . - C3 O 03- t>' eS- iJ 03 .t _2 .is ;- _2 C - en 3 en ttj X "d - ^ ft 3- a ©— . ^ - O 03- it C t/3 3 X'3 ft 3 c a .2 3= ||^§5g ^s£S.3= - 3<2 2-^S-r m-i >>^^:^ Sn! 3~ ® 3i Secretary's Budget. 345 u C2 ' xSx' ^^ ^H 1— t T-i 00 T-i *-< T— I 1^ Oi gj CD -Si en O ;o -^ lO I I r-.i-i :: ^CX) s M I I I I I IrH iSH ' = . i : ^ ^ I o Maitlja Post-O Elvira. XXX S3 1 03 3 >■> ■ ifl :© t'- 00 05 O SlD f= C (O XJ g a3 C . O " t" t- (J) »K » Q a; c Sc «>> 03 .H-rt .si S ai ■i^-e S £ u ^ ©•s caJ *3-^ 15 -S C'k- — o a >. ■s^ eS cS >. O . >,o- Q a ^D. c c ce »- w c .^ ctr =f^ C 3 •a c S5 r' © (CO -. © ^s t-s >.o «)» 1^« ^ii o >> © 2t; 5 © 03 K J^S ©v ^C tk. © •Si; cS > ^-c Si! ■*^+3 . - •t-i ^^ .N^ >>'!S 25 © c a© £5 5 6 >»® Si: g 0) On ^ o C3 ^ ■^^ .2 a -13 S ® .a o ©*i t? o .3 0 ^^ ■C-C! 9 >. © t^ sg g © E S'-= ill •^< ■c -« s.a*' §3^0* c«2 a >,x Si-* CD /J C oS-^ :; D CUD ill £: =^ •~ So £ ca .m'-O 2=""- eS 03 :: o.a '2° a ^i? c o _ eS h w "".a "as '/- C3 ^"2 o a-" ^ S ^ ® © "» a S • 346 Missouri State Horticidtiiral Society. GRAPE ROT. The following article, in two parts, I clip from the N. Y. Sun. It was my intention to abridge it, but the whole thing is so well written, both in a scientific point of view and as well as exceedingly plain, that to meddle with it might spoil it. I deem it worth a year's subscription to every man who grows grapes, and it should be carefully read and preserved for reference. The item where he recommends pinning the paper sacks over the lateral branch instead of around the stem of the bunch is quite valuable. I never lost any bunches, as I nearly always used his plan as recommended ; not because I thought of the danger by storms, but just because it so happened. I feel satisfied that our readers will not begrudge the space these long articles take up. The destroying of the evil corresponds with the plan I once gave of cutting off the old vines at the ground and burning everything that might contain any of the disease in it, as it was always my opinion that the cause was just what our friend's article describes it as being. S. Miller. PREVENTION OF GRAPE ROT. To have a just appreciation of tlie pbilosophy and probable efficacy of devices suggested and tried for prevention of rot and mildew on the grape it is requisite that the nature of these diseases be clearly understood. Their characteristics as members of the great family of parasitic fungi have been described, and it would seem scarely necessary to begin again at the elements of the subject in con- tinuing its discussion. Germ diseases and the nature of disease germs are com- paratively new subjects of scientific investigation, and knowledge in relation to them is as yet chiefly limited to scientific inquirers. Many of those affected, either in pocket or in person, by these mysterious influences are too busy in making a living and too much engrossed with politics to pay attention to matters which they cannot readily understand. To know certain things, a pre- liminary knowledge of certain other things is indispensable, and thisknowledge does not seem within the scope or to be one of the consequences of the average education. As I wish to be understood, I shall give a few elementary ob- servations as to the known causes of rot and mildew. These are ascertained to be the visible symptoms of the de- structive depredation of invisible parasitic — or saprophytic — fungi. Secretary's Budget. ' 347 Do not accuse the " bugs ! " No matter if you " see the very spot where the critter stung " the rotting grape, and find the worm inside, be assured that he is not jjarticeps critninis m the tresspass, under consideration. The grape rot results from the growth of a vegetation — a saprophyte — one of the great family of cryptogams, which, in characteristics of growth, resemble the visible fungus known as the mushroom. Its growth is rapid, as is that of most fungi, and it feeds upon tlie sap or juices of the grape. By botanists it has been identified, classified, named " Phoma Uricola/' and is also known under a distinctive appellation, with which I believe I baptized it, as the American grape rot. When first studied here it was unknown in Europe. There is no longer a doubt concerning its nature. It is invisible to the unaided eye, except m its fructification. The little seed balls or " perithecia" which contain the seeds or germs of this living thing may be distinctly seen pimpling the surface of the diseased grape, like innnitessimal shot situated be- neath the skin. They ai'e numerous, at a rough estimate certainly not less than a thousand of them occupying the superficies of a single berry. Each of these seed balls contains a mass of spores or seed, at least a thousand, which are visible only when greatly magnified, and each of these sj^ores is compounded of six germs, Avhich are probably the ultimate sources of propagation. Here we have, then, without exaggeration, one thousand multiplied by one thousand multiplied by six, or six millions of seed, dissem- inable by this prolific fungus from the surface of a single rotten grape. The perithecinm, when mature, bursts, rupturing the epidermis of the fruit, beneath which it is located, and extrudes its contents of compound spores, which when dry float off in the atmosphere, dividing and scattering as they go. I have witnessed this evolution in the field with the microscope. The spread of these multitudinous spores can hardly be called a dissemination. We need some more pervasive term. When the disease is prevalent, as it has been here, it is an invisible fog of infection, almost as subtle as the air on which it floats. It needs familiarity with microscopic inspections and microscopic measure- ments of size and numbers to gain a realizing sense of the vast minuteness of the subject. It is so mighty small and so infinitely enormous that one must draw a little upon faith — that "evidence of things unseen "^n order to "take it m." Those yet in doubt as to '• whether our earth is round," or who "reckon that the moon is nigh onto several hundred miles off," need not attempt it. They 348 Missouri State Horticultural Society. will do well to trust to the ''say so" of those enabled to look a little farther into the impenetrable mystery of creation. By those, then, who ask "if anything has ever been found out as to the cause of grape rot," these facts may be accepted as ascer- tained : The symptoms are caused by the decomposing power of the growth of a low order of vegetation known as fungoid, and not by "a bug." The generations of the pest are extended by spores or germs similiar to the seed of other growth ; for instance, the thistle. These germs are almost infinitely small and infinitely multiplied. ' When ripe and ready for distribution they j)ervade the atmosphere of an infected vineyard, and, being buoyant, float wherever the air may bear them. They alight upon the surfaces liable to infection and get inside — the Lord knows how. Warmth and moisture are requisite to their germination and development. Cold ( and perhaps other unknown influences ) checks their growth when it has once begun, but in the dormant state their vitality is unaffected by extremes of temperature or drought or moisture. This is a characteristic of the vital principle of these low forms of life — it seems too minute to be killed. The spore of the Phoma, dormant, withstands a temperature of 30° below zero (Fahr.) and 130° above. It is proof against winter's cold and summer's drought, being only liable to damage from these vicissitudes after it has awakened into active life. Hence, when we find — as yearly we may — these perithecia, filled with spores, upon the petioles, dry leaves, and shriveled grapes under the trellis, we may be sure that the prospect is encouraging, for another invasion of rot. Finally, the only feasible means yet discovered to prevent the grape rot are the destruction, or suppression of the infecting germ, or its ex- clusion from contact under infectious conditions with the epidermis of the fruit. These conditions are warmth and moisture. The berry may be covered with infecting germs, but if its surface re- main dry, or be quickly dried after wetting, these germs will not sprout and take root there any more than will grow grains of wheat scattered on the surface of a dusty road. But though finding these spores existent as stated is an indica- tion that rot may appear in the future, it is not certain that a crop of rotten grapes is to be always followed by a crop of spores. Eestrained by various influences, the fungus may fail to develop and mature its seeds. Then the initiative of a future crop is lacking, just as we occasionally see a failure of seed corn ; we plant the grain, but it won't sprout. Secretary's Budget. 349 Iij 1883, wheu my vines swarmed with rotting and rotted grapes, I wanted a matured specimen of the fungus — a grape upon whicli the perithecia were developed, had ruptured, and were ex- truding their contents of spores as usual. It was difficult to find one. Hence I reasoned that the prospect for a full crop of that kind of seed was puor, and that I would be justified m giving extra care to my vines, with hope of reward for the labor in a probable healthy vintage. The utter destruction prevailing for some years had discour- aged me. My jjrognostication was verified. The first attack of rot in 1884 was slight, evidently consequent on scarcity of germs. Nevertheless, during the preceding winter, prompted by' that curiosity which makes one hunt for what he does not want to find, I continued search for matured perithecia of the fungus. I found them and germinated them between microscopic slides. I'his unsatisfactory discovery convinced me that, however scarce^ there were yet " a few more of the same sort left," and still farther, encouraged extra exertion to paralyze the activity of those few left, if possible. What was done to accomplish this will be described in a future pajoer. — A. W. P. THE PHYLLOXERA Of the grape vine, is an American insect, which has perhaps for untold ages, been feeding on the American species of grape vine ; but, for reasons which we need not here follow, it is not seriously injurious to these vines. But the European grape — belonging to another species — is not able to withstand the attacks of the insect as the American species of vine can ; and this is the reason why, in America, there is no serious trouble to the cultivator from Phyl- loxera, while the European vineyards are almost totally destroyed when the insect gets among them. The grape is cultivated very largely about Heading, and other places in the State of Pennsylvania — both for wine making and for other purposes — and the Phylloxera is found abundantly every- where. No means are employed against it, because it is no serious injury ; but it must be remembered, as. already stated, that the graj)e cultivated is of the American and not the European species. All attempts to succeed with the European grape in Pennsylvania during the past one hundred years, have failed, as it is now believed from injury through Phylloxera. As the insect is already in Europe, it is of no use for the French Government to embarrass trade by laws against its intro- 350 Missouri State Horticultural Society. duction. The best course is to encourage the introduction of the American species of vine to France, and the grafting of the Euro- pean grape thereon. This has been going on to a great extent among commercial men who have come to understand the case ; and we suggest that instead of a hirge force of officials at French seaports to examine introductions for signs of the Phylloxera, the money spent on a free distribution of seeds of American native grapes, would be far more advantageous to French viticultural interests. — Ed. G. M. UNFEKMENTED WINE. An industry which has steadily gained ground for some years, is that of making unfermented wine. True, it is a sort of mis- nomer to speak of " wine " as unfermented, but in the absence of a better term it must pass at present. It is the pure expressed juice and '''blood "of the grape, prepared in such a way that it can be used as a safe beverage in any season, with no danger of intoxication, nor any awakening of an old ai:)petite for it. It first came into demand to supplant the use of intoxicating wine at the communion service, but it has found a demand outside of that field because it is agreeable and healthy. The steps regarding its man- ufacture are much the same as for ordinary wine, up to the point where fermentation begins ; then various processes are used for "clarifying" it, so that it shall be clear and free from sediment. Any broken clusters of sound grapes will answer, and for that reason the manufacture furnishes a market for many grapes tliat cannot wisely be shipped to the great cities, though of course a rather low price is paid — two and three cents a pound. The process used in finally closing the bottles or vessels in which it is to be kept, is like that of canning fruit, corked when at ''a boil," and then sealed. It must be treated much the same as canned fruit, and when opened for use in warm weather it must be speedily consumed or kejjt on ice to prevent fermentation. Old wine bibbers do not always take to it readily, but most other peo- ple like it amazingly, women particularly after or during a fatiguing day's work, as it warms and refreshes, and leaves no *'bad feeling" as a penance. One of our manufacturers has shijiped a good deal to England, and others also have orders from long dis- tances. Wine already fermented can be made into an unfermented brand of virtually the same quality by placing it in open bottles in boilers filled with cold water, gradually heating it to the boiling point and then sealing ; but it is troublesome and expensive, and attended with a good deal of breakage. This has been called Secretary's Budget. 351 ''driving the devil out." The cost of unfermented wine in bottles is usually about six dollars per dozen.— P. *S'. REMARKABLE VARIATIOX IN A CONCORD GRAPE. A correspondent at Newark, N". Y. , writes : " We mailed you to-day some sample grapes. They are taken from one branch of a Concord vine, which for the past three or four years has borne grapes double the size of the balance of the vine, and has borne as many. Can you give any reason for it ? If you will give us your opinion of it, and send copy of paper, we will be very thankful." This is the most remarkable variation of the grape that we have ever seen. The dark blue berries were three inches in cir- cumference. The main stalk (racliis) was double the thickness of an ordinary grape, and the whole appearance was that of an unusually large and well developed Black Hamburg as raised under glass. By the last paragraph, we take it our correspondent is not a regular reader of the Monthly, but this was apparent by his send- ing the grapes in a box of wet moss. One of our regular readers would surely have understood that, to prevent fermentation, we should keep fruits as dry as possible, so that they would not shrivel. The moisture added to these caused rapid putrefaction, and the size and color of the berries, is all we can note. The flavor and allied qualities are, of course, out of the question. The case we take to be one of bud variation, not uncommon in the vegetable kingdom. Among flowers it is well known. Some of our best and most popular varieties of roses have been obtained in this way. The branch which makes the departure is taken for propagation, and is usually persistent enough to reproduce itself under these circumstances. The same attention to getting new varieties from bud variation, has not been given to fruit as to flowers ; although the most ex- perienced pomologists know of them. Variations worthy of selection may often be had from sportive branches. We have in Penn- sylvania, an apple called the Penn, which is certainly superior to the ordinary Baldwin, and retains its superior chaiacter under propagation, yet it is well known to have come originally from a Baldwin tree ; and theSeckel is notorious for its numerous varieties, none of which are from seeds, but must have been obtained from sporting branches ; or, as physiologists would say, by bud-variation. The subject is one of great interest, and deserves more attention than it has received from fruit growers. 352 Missouri State Horticultural Society. In regard to the special case before us, we can only say further, that if the fruit is as good in quality as the Concord, the owner has stumbled on a fortune ; and the sooner he commences to prop- agate from that branch, the better. All this is, of course, su]3posing that the branch is in a perfectly natural condition. Very large berries have been obtained by gardeners taking off a ring of bark, or by — which is the same thing — allowing a wire of a label to grow into the wood ; but as "three or four years" is given as a succes- sive period for the large fruit, we take it for granted that the statement is made in good faith, that the branch is in a natural condition. — Ed. G. M. MAEKETING. COLD FOE SHIPPING FRUIT. T. S. Whitman stated some interesting facts to the Fruit Growers' Association of Nova Scotia, in connection with the effect of cold and heat on apples for shipment. A steamer was loaded m the winter at a time when the weather was very cold, and the temperature of the hold of the vessel was down as low as 26 degrees. Snow and frost were seen in the hold, as 6,300 barrels were placed in it for the London market. The cargo reached Lon- don in better condition than any other sent from there, and sold on an average at five and a half dollars a barrel. At other times, apples have been taken out of a temperature of 30 degrees, and placed in one ranging from 50 to 60 degrees. The fruit was thus seriously injured, and thousands of barrels were thus lost. Vessels will he constructed expressly for the trade, and to prevent such disasters. An apple warehouse at Annapolis held 9,000 barrels in winter, when the temperature did not vary one degree from 32 all winter, and kept the fruit in perfect condition. The floor was dry, and the house was dark. — Country Gentleman. PACKING FRUIT FOR CONVEYANCE. We find the following sound directions for packing grapes for railway conveyance, in Gardening Illustrated, the same principles applying to packing all other fruits, as no kind can go safely long Secretary's Budget. 35 n distances without a solid pressure to prevent all shaking or rattling in the package : If I were asked to epitomize grape packing, I should say pack tightly, for therein lies the whole secret, or, at any rate, so much of it that every other detail is but of secondary importance. Many run away with the idea that they cannot do anything better than en- velop each bunch loosely in paper ; whereas they could scarcely find a surer way of reducing the value of their grapes. The paper rubs the bloom off, and does not in any way add to the security of the berries. I have more than once seen grapes unpacked in Cov- ent Garden which were much damaged in this way and I remember very particularly a splendid sample of Lady Downes, and which had come a long journey, coming out all bruised and crushed ; they were not worth the cost of transit. "Look here," said the recipi- ent, a Centre Row fruiterer, "did you ever see grapes packed like these — thick paper round each bunch? If they had been dropped into the box and the lid shut down on them without further trouble they would have come better." We pack our grapes very simply and they never sustain injury : we have never had a bunch reduced in value by transit in a period of twelve years. Some soft hay is placed at the bottom of the box or basket, a sheet of paper goes on that and the sides are lined with paper. The bunches are then put in as closely together as it is possible to get them, no play being allowed. A few leaves are put on the top and a sheet of paper, on which the lid shuts down with pressure sufficient to prevent the bunches shifting. This is very important, especially when they have a long journey to make, as in the hurry of getting parcels out of various stations the basket^ are not always as gently handled as they should be. In a general way we use what are termed "pea-baskets," that is to say such as come from abroad early in the spring filled with green peas. These hold about fifteen pounds, but for a long journey I should not care to put more than ten pounds together. This year we have used some of the cross-handled baskets which the Jersey men use. The handle in a manner necessitates mild usage, as it is so much easier to lift them about in this way that no one would give himself the trouble to pitch them about roughly in the way square hampers often get served. An excellent plan is to fix a stout rope to the tops of baskets ; this enables the railroad official, to lift them easily without handles ; whereas, if no grasp is visible, he per force seizes them in both arms, and naturally experiences some difficulty in lowering them gently to the ground. ;354 Missouri State Horticultural Sociefj/. PICKIIfG APPLES Is a slow and expensive process. I know many farmers who ha\e shaken fruit from their trees, and barreled only those specimens that escaped bruising in their fall. Some of our fruit growers are very enthusiastic in praise of a device for gathering fruit. It is a stout canvass encircling the tree, and in funnel shape, so that the apples are delivered in piles around the tree on heaps of straw, without danger of being bruised, A bearing orchard of Baldwins or King apples, gathered around the trees, is a beautiful sight. Even for drying purposes the fruit is much better, as apples bruised l)y being shaken oli in the usual manner waste in preparing for the evaporator. The fruit gatherer is patented, and costs more than it should ; but in a large apple orchard it cannot be dispensed with. One large apple grower thinks that he saved in labor with this fruit gatherer an average of nine dollars per day, besides the advantage of getting the fruit harvested earlier and in better condition. — ]V. J. F. P-RICES FOR FRUITS. The Chicago Tribune is of the opinion that the price of fruit ^vill never be low again in this country. The facilities of trans- ' portation are so abundant, and the foreign demand for evaporated fruit so constant and increasing, that fruit-growing in the United States may be considered established as a paying business " while grass grows and water runs." Thus the production of the standard fruit is an increasing business, and not only seedsmen and nursery- men are profiting from it, but those who give most attention to the orchards, vineyards, berry gardens, etc., find their interests rapidly on the increase. Our railroads carry fruits and their products hundreds of miles, and render possible the cultivation of fiourishing orchards on hitherto isolated hills which were abandoned to the wilderness. Dried fruit is wanted in most foreign countries. • Canned fruit is carried from our great seaports to " the end of the earth," and profitably sold. Many of the European peasants use our Jams instead of butter on their bread. Dehydrated or evaporated fruit, better than all other kinds, is of general acceptance wherever offered, and valued equally with the fresh products. AVithin the last ten years the amount of raw fruit brought into England from the United States ,is something- astonishing. In 1871 there were but 56,441 bushels, valued at £40,604 ; but in 1883 there were 1,065,076 received in Great Britain from this country, worth £387,190, or 11,881,734.40. The outlook for the American fruit grower is most favorable, and those Secretary's Budget. 355 of the rising generation who have a fancy for the business may enter upon it with confidence that their enlightened efforts will be crowned with success. COLD STORAGE. It is surprising to what an extent ice is entering into com- merce as an indispensable factor. Not alone in the meat trade is its influence felt, but in the dairy trade as well. Butter, cheese, and eggs, poultry, fish, fruits, as well as all kinds of fresh meat, are put into cold storage and kept until wanted for sale. And other countries are "catching" on to this idea and practice as well as ourselves — Australia and New Zealand especially. The refriger- ator mutton which comes to London from the latter country forms no inconsiderable item in that city's weekly supply. PEUNING. TREE PRUNING. It frequently happens that we neglect to trim our apple trees at the proper time, and it becomes necessary to remove large limbs two or three inches in diameter. It takes so long for such wounds to heal over that such pruning is very injurious to the trees unless we coat the wounds with something that will effectually protect them till new wood has grown over. Shellac dissolved in alcohol is usually recommended as the best coating in such cases by horticultural writers. But an ingenious French chemist, M, Lefert, has given us a receipt for making a liquid grafting-wax which is beyond doubt the most complete pro- tection to all the wounds mflicted on fruit trees yet discovered. To the careful cultivator who wishes to get the best returns from his trees by keeping them in proper shape, and yet not injure them by so doing, this receipt is very valuable. It sometimes becomes necessary in trimming pear trees affected with blight to remove all or a portion of the to]D of the tree, thus exposing a large wound in the center of the tree to the direct rays of the sun. To be able to protect this wound effectually for a sufficient time is a matter of vital importance to the longevity of the tree. 35 G Missouri State Horticultural Society. As this receipt is but little known even among fruit men, we publish it for the benefit of all interested. We have made it only once — about eighteen months since, and have used it with the most satisfactory results. By long standing it becomes a little thick. When such becomes its condition, a few drops of alcohol makes it all right. It needs no warming' to apply it, being the same winter and summer ; for out-door grafting nothing can be compared with it. We apply it with a stiff turkey-feather. In a few days the alcohol evaporates, leaving the other ingredients forming a perfect coating as hard as stone. The receipt is as follows : ''Melt one pound of common resin over a slow fire, add to it one ounce of beef-tallow, and stir well. Take from the fire, let it cool down a little, and then mix with it a tablespoonful of spirits of turpentine, and after that, about seven ounces of strong alcohol (95 per bent). The alcohol cools it down so rapidly that it will be necessary to put it once more on the fire, stirring it constantly. Still the utmost care must be exercised to prevent the alcohol from getting inflamed. To avoid this, the best way is to remove the vessel from the fire when the lumps that may have been formed commence melting again. This must be continued till the Avhole is a liomogeneous mass, like honey. It is best kept in a large mouthed bottle." When the wound is over one inch in diameter, we coat it. It pays to do so. For removing large' limbs we use the hand-saw. Trim in February, or June and July ; do not trim in extreme cold weather, or just as the sap is rising. With a little thought and study any good farmer can learn to trim his own trees better than many of the jirofessional tree-trimmers who travel over the country, I have noticed some apple-orchards seriously injured by these per- sons. The greatest danger is in topping the trees. I noticed one orchard where many of the top limbs after being severely short- ened had died down a foot or more. Had the wounds been properly protected such would not have been the case. — Wm. H. Smith, in Spirit of the Farm. IJSTTELLIGENT PKUNING. Eds. Country Gentleman : — It has often been said that no rule can be given to guide a tyro pruner, because every tree, bush, or vine requires some modification of treatment. But there are rules applicable quite generally, of which a leading one is to thin from the exterior so that all shoots left shall have ample distance to expand their leaves in full light without shading each other, or shading those of the inner fruit-bearing spurs in orchard trees. Secretary's Budget. 357 Where a branch can be stayed apart from others into an open space it is a clonble economy to do that rather than to cut it off," because there is the saving of its fruit yield, and the saving to the tree of a wound. Every wound is injurious that remains open to the air through a second season. All wholesale pruning of whole branches, twigs and all, for the sake of speed does more harm than good. So another general rule is to remove only the weak, unripe young wood, or decayed old wood. In pear trees, where liable to blight, all unripened sprouts should be cut out early, before the sap begins to circulate, or the tree will be injured by the infusion of poisonous sap from the winter-killed, blackened wood of these sprouts, just as we are en- dangered by pyemia from decaying parts remaining attache'd to the circulation in our bodies. Some trees are very impatient of the knife or saw, of whicli the cherry is one. The peach on the con- trar}^ — a more tender tree as to effects of low temperature — endures cutting remarkably well, and so does the grape vine, but our native sorts less than the vines of Europe, — W. G. W. INSECTS. XOTES ON INSECTICIDES. At the recent meeting of the Michigan Horticultural Society, the following notes on insects and insecticides were gleaned for the readers of the Prairie Farmer. CURRANT WORMS. Several members stated that they had subdued this insect by sprinkling hellebore in the lower part of the bush in May, soon after the eggs are laid. The operation is repeated a few weeks later for the second brood. This kills them before they do any appreciable damage. Pyrethrum will also kill, but it must be applied immediately on the worms. Picking the lower leaves which have the young Avorms on them, was also recommended. STRIPED BEETLES. Prof. W. W. Tracy said that he had kept these pests at bay by dusting ground tobacco stems over and around the young plants ; although the beetles were not wholly driven off, there were not 358 Musouri State Horticultural Society. enough left to do any serious damage. The stems can be obtained very cheaply at the large tobacco factories, and act as a fertilizer besides preventing insect depradations. WIRE WORMS. Prof. Tracy also stated that he had successfully fought these pests by the potato remedy so much used m England. Potatoes were buried a few feet ajsart and a few inches deep in the infested melon and cucumber patches, and when examined often contained a dozen of the worms. They were usually only part way in the potato, so that they could be easily removed and destroyed, but occasionally they were in so far as to necessitate cutting out with a knife. 'Potatoes used as bait in this way soon rotted, probably because of the access of air through the holes bored by the worms. CABBAGE FLIES. Secretary Garfield stated that this pest had almost ruined cab- bage production in the vicinity of (rrand Rapids, as also, according to Prof. Tracy, was the case about Detroit. In the latter instance the 'estimated loss was $20,000. Bisulphide of carbon is said not to destroy these pests on clay ground. Kerosene and soap mixtures have been successfully used in several cases, although the kind of soil has not been reported. CABBAGE AVORMS. Prof. Cook recommended the kerosene emulsion for these insects. In recent papers hot water has been frequently advocated to destroy cabbage worms, but Prof. Forbes has found that water cannot be applied hot enough to kill the worms without at the same time injuring the plants. A neighbor of the writers, who has a large field of cabbages, has sent his hired boy out with a butterfly net for about an hour each day to catch the white butterflies since they have appeared. At first fifty or sixty were caught each day, but later they became much scarcer. This, combined with occa- sional picking of the worms has kept the cabbages nearly free from their ravages. About one year ago Prof. S. A. Forbes found that the cab- bage worms {Pieris rapce) about Normal were dying. They exhib- ited the following symptoms : The caterpillars affected first be- came pale, finally before death an ashy green, and in the later stages of the disease were somewhat torpid. They die upon the leaves and decay with astonishing rapidity, soon being reduced to a blackish semi-fluid mass which dissolves at a touch. The writer at Secretary's Budget. 359 that time found the disease prevalent among the caterpilhirs in tlie gardens of the Micliigan Agricultural College, and during a late trip there, saw that it was again preyalent. Let us hear from any Prairie Farmer readers who have noticed these worms dying in their localities, in order that an idea my.be gamed as to what extent this beneficent destroyer may be relied upon to save the cabbages. PEVENTIISTG INSECT DEPREDATIONS. In the same report the following preventive measures are recommended: 1. High culture, to impart strength to resist insect attacks. 2. Rotation of crops, and their removal as far distant as possible from the soil which has become infested with them. 3. Selection of such seed as is least liable to attack, as for instance the Lancaster or Fultz wheat, against the Hessian fly. 4. Late sowing ; as for the Hessian fly, after frosts occurring late in September, in New- York. 5. Refraining for a year or two in an infested locality from the cultivation of crops formidably attacked. 6. Surrounding fields with a border, or rows, of more attractive food, to concentrate the attack. The following modes for exclud- ing insects are also mentioned, which may be useful to a greater or less extent, although killing the depredators, instead of repelling, is always to be preferred : Tarred paper bands to exclude canker worms ; washing trunks to prevent egg-deposits ; mounding earth or ashes to exclude peach grub ; showering plum trees with putrid whale oil after every rain to repel curculios, &c. SALT FOR INSECTS. If you wnll examine the wilting Hubbard squash vines. Just under the ground, yon will doubtless find two or more borers eating their lives out, and I would suggest your trying salt on them, which has saved mine this summer. Whenever I found a vine wilting, I put about a teaspoonful around it at the surface of the ground, and then hilled them up to the first leaf stalks, and in a few days new leaves made their appearance, and they are now doing- well, and not one that I did treat so died. My theory is that salt will poison tlie borers, and the hilling will bring out new roots, and so it acts. I have been experimenting this summer with salt on all the vegetables, to find out how much each sort would stand before injury, and, to my surprise, I find onions will grow under an application at the rate of 150 bushels to the acre before turning yellow ; carrets, parsnips and beets, 100 bushels ; cabbages more than a gill to each plant ; but cucumbers, strawberries and turnips 360 Missouri State Horticultural Society. go down under a very small dose. I will give in full later the par- ticulars, but the result of the experiments shows that we can safely apply a very large quantity of salt to our crops, and so kill all grubs, cut- worms and other enemies, and add a cheap fertilizer/ acting at the same time as g, helper in weeding. — ,/. V. H. Nott. PAEIS GKEEN" FOK CUKCULIOS. A correspondent of the Canadian Horticulturist describes the result of his experiments with spraying apricot trees with Paris Green. A teaspoonful of the poison was mixed with a pail- ful of water, and thrown over the trees with a Whitman pump, three times in one week. He says : ''My apricots are now as large as plums, and not a mark upon them ; and by searching, I have found but two plums thus treated stung by the curculio on my ten trees. In former years hy this time, plums and apricots were falling in perfect showers, and very few of either fruit es- caped." It is not probable that tJie extremely thin coating of Paris Green on the young fruit would prevent the beetles from inserting their ovipositors, and it must therefore have ojDerated in some way on the newly hatched and sensitive larv®. Tlie experiment is worth repeating. The rains would wash off every vestige of the poison long before the fruit could ripen. We have now to record what we have proved by experience to be a more effectual method of ridding land of cut-worms than any of those hitherto proposed. It is, in brief, the use of poisoned balls of any succulent plant, a method which we successfully used in Missouri in 1875. One of our most valued correspondents. Dr. A. Oemler, of Wilmington Island, near Savannah, Ga., has long- fought cut-worms by trapping them under leaves and grass. To make use of his own words : "My mode of dealing with cut- worms of late years has been to remove them from the held before the crop to be jeopardized is up or the plants are put out. By placing cabbage leaves and bundles of grass along the rows of watermelon hills four years ago, I caught, by hunting them daily, 1,533 worms on about a quarter of an acre, before the seed came up, and lost but a single melon plant. On one occasion I captured, one morning, fifty-eight of all sizes under a single turnip leaf, and my son found fifteen at the root of a single small cabbage plant." A year or so ago we wrote Dr. Oemler that his remedy would be much improved in point of economy of labor, if he poisoned his traps before setting them, or, in other words, if he sprinkled his cabbage leaves or grass, or other foliage used for this Secretary's Budget. 361 purpose, with a solution of Paris green or London purple, in order to save himself the trouble of hunting for worms in the morning. We again quote Dr. Oemler concerning the practical working of this plan : '^^ After the land is prepared for cabbages or any other crop needing protection, I place cabbage or turnip leaves in rows fifteen or twenty feet apart all over the field, and about the same distance apart in the rows. The leaves are first dipped in a well-stirred mixture of a table- spoonful of Paris green to the bucket of water ; or tliey may be first moistened, then dusted with a mixture of one part of Paris green to twenty of flour, and placed carefully with the dusted sur- face next to the ground. Two such applications, particularly in cloudy weather, at- intervals of tliree or four days, will suffice to allow the cut-worms to make away with themselves, which they generally do with perfect success. This plan, first recommended by Professor Riley, is the best I have found. Whoever adopts it will rid himself of the pest at least cost and troiible, and will not be compelled to replant constantly or to sow his seed thickly." In our own exi^erience we used chiefly clover sprinkled with Paris- green water and laid at intervals between the rows, in loosely-tied masses or balls, which served the double purpose of prolonging the freshness of the bait, and affording a lure for shelter. INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE APPLE. In the growth of all kinds of farm or garden crops, tlie farmer and gardener find themselves forced to wage constant warfare with insects or parasitic plant life. In this paj)er we give the re- sults of a few observations in regard to the plum weevil, or curcu- lio {Conotrachelus nenuphar,) as affecting the apple crop, compared also with the codling moth and the apple maggot. It has often been noticed, early in the summer, that apples nearly all fall from the trees when quite small. This was especially the case during the past season, and careful investigations were made to ascertain the cause. A tree of the variety known as the Westfield Seek-no-further, which blossomed very abundantly and set an unusually large crop of fruit, was selected. When from one-half to one inch in diameter, the fruit began to drop in large numbers, so tluit not enough was left on the tree for one-half a crop. A large quantity of these were collected and examined, and out of eight hundred it was found that all but three were punctured by the plum curculio, leaving its peculiar crescent- shaped mark, and in every punctured one was found an egg or 362 Missouri State Horticultural Society. small larvas. The worms commonly found in the apple at this time have generally been supposed to be the larvae of the Codling Moth (JJarimcapsa pomonella,) yet in the number examined only four or five of the larvas of the latter were found. The remedies that have been successfully employed to prevent the injury of the plum crop by these larvae are two, i. e., (1) that of jarring the trees and catching the insects and affected fruit in a sheet stretched on a frame or spread on the ground, and destroying them, and (2) that of planting the trees in the limits of poultry yards. The first remedy cannot be applied to the apple tree, on account of its size. The second lias proved successful in saving the plum crop, and would undoubtedly be as successful with the apple, but the fowls should be numerous enough to not only catch the insects when they come from the ground, but also to let none of the larvae escape when they come from the fallen fruit to the ground. Perhaps a more sure preventive would be, in addition to the above, to have the fruit destroyed by pasturing swine in the orchard in sufficient numbers to eat all the fruit as soon as it drops. The apple crop is also much injured by the larvfe of the cod- ling moth, mentioned above, which has been common for a long time, and the Apple Maggot {Trifeta poinonella), which has only done serious damage within the past five years. The latter injures the fruit by making burrows in the flesh, many larvfe or maggots often working in the same apple. The eggs are laid by a small fly somewhat resembling the com- mon house-fl}' — but not more than one-half its size — through a small opening in the skin of the apple made with its ovipositor. It shows es^oecial liking for the thin-skinned, mild, sub-acid or sweet summer or autumn varieties, but also attacks some winter varieties. Its ravages have become so extensive in some localities, that prompt measures must be taken for its extermination, or it may work the total destruction of the apple crop. The practice of pasturing swine in the summer is being recom- mended, and practiced by many of our leading farmers and stock- breeders, and the orchardist must combine to a certain extent this branch of business with his own, if he would be successful ; for the destruction of the fruit as it falls from the tree is the only safe and sure remedy now known to prevent injury by these three insects. — Prof. Maynard, in Bulletin of the Mass. Experiment Station. * Secretary's Budget. 363 WIKEWOKMS. I was not aware until I read Professor Cook's article that wire- worms are the grubs of spring beetles ; I supposed they propagated after their own kind in the soil, year after year. There is much ignorance regarding the names and habits of a multitude of familiar objects, animate and inanimate, denizens of the eartli and air. Why is not a practical knowledge of the names and habits of familiar birds, beetles, bugs, also the names and uses of trees, shrubs and weeds, taught in our country schools ? It seems to me the study of these things \tould be exceedingly interesting and useful. Children would enjoy an occasional "field day " spent in the out-door study of the wonders of nature. I am very much dissatisfied with my own ignorance and would like authorities to suggest several practical treatises upon our native insects and weeds, useful and injurious. — N. Y. Tribune. BUTTERMILK AND WATER AS AN INSECTICIDE. To get rid of the cabbage-worm I have successfully used but- termilk and water the last two years — about one-third of the former to two-thirds of the latter. My cabbages were also badly infested with lice, but two applications freed them completely. The brown and yellow striped bug, the great pest to cucumber and water- melon vines, will do no damage if the vines are occasionally sprinkled with the mixture ; but I think they require sprinkling oftener and with a stronger solution of buttermilk than the cab- bage.—r. C. C. A HOMELY FRIEND. It is astonishing how repulsive the toad is to most people. He is a very homely fellow but like many other homely folks has some great virtues. Tlie Toronto Globe tells us of some of them as follows : " Tlie toad can be both tamed and trained to an extent which will amply repay the necessary trouble and patience expended in the undertaking. In proof of this let some plucky reader instead of screaming and kicking the next specimen that crosses his or her path into the wayside gutter, gently take it by the "scuff of the neck " (it won't bite) place it on the window sill and watch the results. Presently a fly comes within reach, when like a flash it disappears on the tip of the creature's tongue, speared apparently with a precision that would warm the soul of an Afghan. Another and another shares the same fate, until the supply or capacity fails — 364 Missouri State Horticultural Society. our ' knight of the lance ' the while maintaining an imperturbable gravity of demeanor, unbroken by even a wink as the savory morsels follow in qnick succession down its capacious throat. It is not generally known, perhaps, that the tongue of the animal is so con- structed that it can be projected fully two inches, and, as already intimated, the aim is an unerring one. The process of casting its skin, in which the creature, after rending its outer garment, disposes of it, body, sleeves and all, by slowly swallowing it, has been frequently described, and is an exceedingly interesting per- formance. In Great Britain, and presumably on the Continent as well, the existence of half a dozen or more of these creatures hopping about in the lawns and gardens in a semi-tamed condition is quite common, and instances have been known of the little animal's re- turn to its box every evening with the greatest regularity."' ANTS AS INSECT DESTROYERS. Farmers or gardeners, in their contest with insects, have not as yet called to their aid, as they should, other insects and ^birds, the natural enemies of insect hordes, says the Siin. Too generally all insects are looked upon as enemies, although it is well known that many kinds of insects are very beneficial in protecting fruits and grain from the ravages of other insects. The ants, although generally regarded as an unmitigated nuisance, have been found, by careful observation, to be useful in several ways. The canker- worms, which are a most destructive pest to orchards in some sec- tions, are sometimes destroyed in large numbers by them. The editor of the Boston Journal of Chemistry says that ants are great destroyers of canker-worms, and probably all other worms or in- sects of the smaller varieties. He watched with great interest the work of a large colony of black ants which attacked the canker- worms on an elm tree in his grounds a few weeks ago, and was delighted with the nature and results of their labors. Two pro- cessions of the ants were moving on the trunk of the tree, one going up empty, the other coming down, each bringing wdth him a canker-worm, which he held fast in his mandibles, grasping the worm firmly in the center of the body. Although the prey was nearly the size of the destroyer, the plucky little ant ran down the tree in a lively way, deposited its booty in its nest in the ground, and instantly returned for further slaughter. There were at one time as many as 40 coming down the tree, each bringing along his victim, and doing the work with apparent ease. Extending his observations, he noticed that the Secretary's Budget. 365 ants ran up the trunk and out on the limbs, thence on to the leaves of the tree where the filthy worm was at work and^ seizing him with a strong grip at about the center of the body, turned about with the squirming worm and retraced his steps. The worm was dead by the time the ant reached the ground. If this move of the ants is common they must prove valuable friends to farmers and fruit raisers, and should be protected in every way possible. We do not believe that the birds that prey upon worms will do the work in a week in our orchards, whicb these ants were doing in an hour. — Rural New Yorker. STKAWBERET I]SrSECTS. Prof. Forbes recommends the following remedies m a general way for the insects which feed on the strawberry plant : 1. Py- rethrum, or the hand-net, for the tarnished plant bug and its allies, which attack the plant before the fruit is picked. 2. Pois- oning the foliage in midsummer to kill the beetles and root- worms, or using carbolic acid or sul^jhide of carbon in the ground on their first a]3pearance. 3. Exterminating tlie leaf-rollers and other leaf- eating insects, by mowing and burning the leaves in midsummer after the fruit is picked. 4. Changing the crop occasionally when noxious species multiply inordinately. 5. Preventing the transfer of the crown-borer from old to new plantations. These measures will be found highly profitable in the way of defense, considered as an investment of time, labor and money. — Prairie Farmer. CODLING MOTH. According to the Kansas Farmer, IS". P. Deming, Lawrence, Kans., has found an effectual remedy for the curculio'and the codling moth m the following : Eight teaspoonfuls of Pans-green, and one and one-half pounds of common bar soap, to thirty gallons of water ; then Avith the use of a small force pump spray the trees. Mr. Deming feels so well satisfied with the experiment that he will plant out more plum trees, now that he can subdue the curculio. A EEMEDY FOR THE PHYLLOXERA. We have discovered a complete remedy for the phylloxera, in the application to each vine of one-half ounce of quicksilver mixed with clay so minutely that the globules are not distinguishable with an ordinary microscope. We find the application will cost little more than one cent per vine. Among our experiments two dozen vines that were dying, owing to the phylloxera, were dug up in a vineyard, and after a dose of mercury had been applied to each 366 Missouri State Horticultural Society. hole, they were replanted without any attempt to cleanse the roots. They regained their vigor, and are now healthy, while adjacent vines have died. In another exjDeriment one pound of mercury was applied to each vine, and all are growiug vigorously. The lesson taught is, that while the metal destroys the insects, it does not injure the vines. It is a well known fact that entomologists and taxidermists, use mercurial mixtu.res to preserve their cabinets from all insects and pests, and that they are entirely effectual. It is at least worth trying, and if found effectual, it will enable us to grow many of the finer varieties of grapes, that are now entirely destroyed by that scourge of the vineyard. — Pacific Rural Press. EEMEDIES FOR VARIOUS INSECTS. Professor Riley, the United States entomologist, in a recent paper gave the result of his experiments for the destruction of the insects that stand in the way of successful fruit culture. He first alluded to the codling moth. He believed that there was no question that Paris green was not only a remedy, but that there was little danger in using it. But he still is unable to overcome a disinclina- tion to recommend it, especially since the late Dr. Hull maintained that he had found slaked lime dusted on the trees to be equally as effectual. Professor Riley positively affirmed that he knew that the worms sometimes left one apple for another, a question that has been occasionally discussed. Por plum curculio, he believed that there was nothing superior to jarring. He j^laced no faith in the repellent powers of strong smelling substances which are sometimes recommended. He said if he were to enumerate the six most im- portant substance? that could be used for destroying insects above ground, he would mention tobacco, soap, hellebore, arsenic, pe- troleum and pyrethrum. It has lately been learned, too, that the vapor of nicotine, that is, tobacco vapor, is not only very effectual in destroying insects wherever it can be confined, as in greenhouses, but that it is less injurious to delicate plants than either the smoke or the liquid. This fact? will explain the efficacy of tobacco stems strewn upon the ground. As an instance of the good results attending the lat- ter plan, he cited the interesting experience of William Saunders in dealing with the grape-leaf hoppers. These, until two years ago, baffled all his efforts ; they caused his grape leaves to turn yel- low and fall prematurely m the grapery at Washington. But he found that by strewing the ground under the vines with the tobacco stems which were constantly being moistened by the syringing, the Secretanfs Budget. 36? leaves were preserved intact and he had no further trouble from that source. The last three substances — arsenic, petroleum and pyrethrum — have come into use during recent years. These have now also come to be so well known that it is perhaps scarcely necessary to particu- larize as to their application. The arsenic — London purple, Paris green, or other preparations — lias been more extensively used than any other substance, and where it can be used safely it is undoubt- edly the most valuable of all. The value of different preparations of petroleum has also long been known, as no other substance is more destructive to insects generally. But the great trouble has been to use it with safety, because of the difficulty experienced in mixing it with water or diluting it in some way. He exjjlained how to make a permanent kerosene emulsion. Take two parts of kerosene with one of sour milk, and churn the mixture together by means of a force pump, which produces a butter-like substance that is easily diluted to any degree with Avater. This, he continued, he believed to be not only one of the most invaluable insecticides, but the only one that will effectually destroy many of the worst pests which afflict the fruit-grower. Mr. H. G. Hubbard, one of his assistants at Crescent City, Fla., has found such to be the case with reference to the scale insects which infest the orange. He also stated that a permanent emulsion can be made by substituting soap for milk, or a certain proportion of dissolved soft soap could be added to the kerosene and milk. The value of this emulsion when applied by improved spraying machinery is not yet appreciated as it will be when it becomes better known. Eecent experiments show that it can be used on almost all kinds of vegetation without injury to the plants. In reference to pyrethrum, he said that it 'is most satisfactory when used for insects like th^ cabbage worm, and other trouble- some pests of that nature. But its influence is of short duration at best, and much dejaends upon getting a fresh and unadulterated article. Ill regard to underground insects, nothing effectual has been found so far, except bi-sulphide of carbon and napthaline. But he had every reason to believe that the kerosene emulsion can be successfully used here, and that it will j)rove to be one of the most — if not the most — satisfactory means of destroying the dreaded grape-vine phylloxera. In speaking of the various insecticides before mentioned, he said that all six of the substances to be used 368 Missoitri State Horticultural Society. above ground may be used in liquid form, and he preferred to apply them in that way. Within a radius of a mile from where I write there are proba- bly four thousand aj^ple trees one-half of which are in bearing this year. Were it not for the codling moth these two thousand trees would give their owners four or five thousand bushels of handsome, marketable fruit. As it is, they will not save half so many, and most of these will be deformed, knotty and wormy, only fit for hogs, or to grind for vinegar. The difference in the cash account would more than pay for the labor of enough men to keep the insects in check. It is a serious fact, that fruit-growers will have to accept — they must use more vigilance in the destruction of insect enemies, or they must quit planting for fruit. The curculio is master of the field long ago, as regards plums, apricots, and nectarines — all of which could be grown in abundance, were it not for them — and the codling moth is fast gaining a like ascendency. What is difficult for one man to do alone, can be done by two or three neighbors conjointly. And if two or three would join, and each spring hire one man or set of men, and make it a busi- ness to fight the codling moth through the necessary period, the work would be accomj)lished, and great would be the results. — T. G. BEXEFICIAL INSECTS. One of the most beneficial families of beetles is that of the trim little lady-birds which nearly every one has seen and admired. These insects belong to the family Coccinellidce, and are the most active enemies of the thousands of plant lice or " green flies " which infest nearly all trees and shrubs in spring and summer. Another family which are very beneficial are the ground beetles (Carabidai), some specimens of which are illustrated here. These are common and may be seen any summer day by turning up boards, sticks or stones in moist places. They live largely upon the juices of other insects, such as cajiker-worms, army-worms, potato-beetles, Kocky- mountain locusts, etc. THE PLUM CURCULIO AGAIN. We have recently interviewed some of the most successful plum growers of Michigan as to the best method of fighting the *' little Turk," and are more convinced than ever that jarring is the safest and most practicable remedy. Judge Eamsdell, one of the most successful and intelligent of Michigan pomologists, said : ''I have Secretary's Budget. 369 two frames on wheels with sheets about six feet square stretched upon them ; a man takes charge of each of these, wheeling it up against the sides of trees, making a complete square under the limbs which are then jarred bj means of forked sticks, padded with rubber hose. After jarring five trees in this way the curcu- lios are picked off the sheets and crushed. I do not sweep them off as many do, for that also kills the larvae and beetles of the little "ladybnxls" which keep the apliides or plant lice in check later in the season. I let the curculios get a good many plums so as to thin the fruit, and regulate the times of jarring with reference to these. Some years I jar the plums, but very little, so as not to drive the beetles onto my peach trees. They prefer plums, but if often dis- turbed will attack the peaches. It will pay peach growers to have a few plum trees in and around their orchard, to attract these insects. I hire children to pick up the fallen plums and scald them to kill the eggs and larvje. I have over 700 trees, and two men will jar the whole orchard in a day." As to varieties of plums. Judge R. said : ''Most any large plum is good for market ; among the best are the Washington, Lombard and Pond's Seedling. These varieties grown in Michigan, go to Chicago and are purchased by Italian vendors, who wrap them in tissue paper and sell them as California plums." Mr. H. H. Pratt, a successful Oceana county plum grower, said of the Paris green remedy for the curculio': " I don't believe it pays to use the arsemites, as the jarring method is cheaper and more effective, besides being far less dangerous." — Prairie Farmer. BIEDS. INSECT-EATING BIRDS. The important question of the relative benefits and injuries to agricultural and horticultural interests from insect-eating birds was the subject of a paper read before the Ohio Horticultural Society by M. C. Read, of Hudson, and incorporated in the society's annual report, recently issued. From facts collected, all our common birds are placed in three groups : First, birds whose habits make it o 70 Missouri State Horticultural Society. doubtful whether they are, on the whole, beneficial ; second, birds whose habits make it doubtful whether they are, on the whole, beneficial or injurious ; third, birds whose habits render them, on the whole, injurious. According to Mr. Eead, the catalogue of birds the contents of whose stomachs show they are beneficial, com- prise a large majority of our common birds, and a large i)ercentage of these are shown to be wholly beneficial, not only feeding on insects injurious in agriculture, but without charge of stealing fruit. These facts warrant the conclusion that our small birds gener- ally ought to be fostered and protected by securing them suitable nesting- places. Mr. Eead, after careful obseryation, is satisfied that the imported English sparrow does not expel wrens and blue- birds by reason of any greater pugnacity or strength, but, being winter residents, always occupy the eligible houses and locations when the wrens and bluebirds return from their southern trip. "If boxes and nesting places are prepared for the latter they will take possession of them and defend them against the sjianow. The English sparrows are, however, grouped among birds injurious. Mr. Eead spoke a good word for the robin, which is grouped with birds beneficial. While not attempting to deny its thieving pro- pensities, he claimed that the stomachs of thirty-seven robins on examination were found to contain thirty-four per cent, of animal food to thirteen per cent, of vegetable matter; cut-worms, wire- worms, grubs, grasshoppers, etc., formed a large portion of the contents. In the discussion following, the robin scarcely found an advo- cate, fruit-growers with one accord denouncing him as injurious, especially among cherry trees and in strawberry beds. Other birds meeting with wholesale condemnation from fruit-growers were tlie cat bird and oriole. It was suggested that strawberiy beds may be protected from the depredations of robins by covering with nets. Thin pajDer bags are the best protection for grapes. A condensed table makes it appear that the insect food of the different families of birds is as follows : Secretary's Budget. 371 Detri- Bene- mental ficial Un- Family. insects. inseots. known. Thrushes 86 17 133 Bhiebirds 42 5 22 Kinglets 9 2 64 Chickadees 17 2 37- Muthatches 10 2 56 Wrens 23 '2 87 Tanagers 38 15 84 Swallows 124 67 108 Vireos 211 9 182 Butcher birds 42 8 24 Finches 226 16 229 Starlings 119 12 129 Jays 10 5 39 Flycatchers . . . 126 53 400 Goatsuckers 18 1 97 Cuckoos 102 3 31 Woodpeckers 352 22 1,901 ANTS, SNAKES, AND BIRDS. We stumble over a mammoth '^ ant-heap." There were num- bers of them about. "Why not destroy these fellows ? " said the unsophisticated visitor. " Because they are useful. Ants, striped snakes, and birds of all kinds are protected here. These ants are insect eaters. Throw a branch covered with worms upon that heap and in fifteen minutes there will not be a show of a worm left. Ants are particularly fond of canker-worms and leaf-rollers. A hired man made this discovery accidentally ; future observations proved it to be true.'' — Prairie Farmer. EXPERIENCE AND INCIDENT. Mr. C. M. Weed, who is carefully studying the kind of food taken by our common birds, finds much and weighty evidence in their favor as farmers' and gardeners' friends. For instance, July 9th, in the stomach of an adult robin he counted sixty maggots of the genus Anthomyia — which ruin the cabbage, spoil the radish and blight the onion. This, too, just at the time when cherries and raspberries were abundant and luscious. "Tally one for the robin." — Neiv York Tribune. ENGLISH SPARROWS. L. D. Watkins, of Manchester, stated that three years since while in England investigating the "great sparrow question," he found it a most fearful pest of plums and small fruits, so much so 372 Missouri estate Horticultural Society. that in many localities the trees were covered with netting to keep the birds away. In barley and oat fields they crush the kernels^ when green, for the milky juice. They are not an English bird but were imported to the islands from the continent of Europe and have not yet spread all over them. Wherever introduced they in- crease with marvellous rapidity. Prof. Baur, of Ann Arbor, remarked that in Germany they are a terrible pest, and every village is required to pay an annual tax of a certain number of sparrow heads. The sooner legislative protection is repealed in this country and young America let loose upon them to convert them into pot-pies the better. Probably it will pay people of infested communities to offer a bounty just as is done in many localities for woodchucks. — Micltiyan Farmer. RECEIPTS. PROTECT YOUR TREES. The time is at hand when some means must be used to prevent the depredations of rabbits and mice on young fruit trees. I have tried and read of various means and methods of guarding against their ravages, and the most effectual method that we have tried is to take strips of Fay^s Manilla Lining, (manufactured at Camden, N. J.,) about three inches wude and of the proper length. Begiu at the bottom of the trunk and wind the strip around the stem to the proper height and secure the end. The advantages of the Manilla are its great strength, durability and ease of apj)lication. It will not injure, and aj)plied thus allows the free growth of the tree without binding it. It also pro- tects the tree from sudden changes of temperature. — A. S. Tandy. SALT FOR RED RUST. A correspondent of the Farmer and Fruit Grower recommends the use of common salt as a cure for ''^ red rust," the deadly scourge of our blackberries and black raspberries. " I throw salt freely among the old canes, and a small handful plump at the root of every one where I detect any signs of rust. By repeating this salting every week where rust is seen, it will soon go away and leave you good, healthy plants. The blackberry is cajDable of using almost as much salt as the asparagus plant, and but little fear need be felt of using too much.'"' Secretary's Budget. 3* 3 LIME FOR GRAPE ROT. A. B. Colemaii contribntes to the Rural New Yorker a remedy for grape rot, which has proved successful with him for a numbe'r of years : Whenever the slightest indication of rot is observable, scrape every vestige of vegetation away from the vines to a distance of at least four feet in every direction, and cover this space with fresh lime, air or water slacked. Just enough to whiten the surface is sufficient. I do not put the lime close enough to touch the vine, generally strewing it not closer than six inches. If heavy rains follow, the dressing of lime should be repeated at once. A prom- inent Missouri grape-grower says the same atmospheric influences that produce fever and ague in the human family will produce roc in the grape. Knowing lime to be a powerful absorbent, I thought perhaps the air in the vicinity of my vines could, be to some ex- tent purified by its use, and the rot prevented. The result of my test has been satisfactory ; yet I do not claim that the lime is an infallible remedy for grape rot. I do think, however, it is worthy of trial. HOW TO GET KID OE MOLES. . The ground mole has been for a long time a constant source of annoyance to gardeners and farmers, and the question has often been asked, "Is there no way of getting rid of this pest without the tedious process of trapping it ?" which at best is only a partial relief. To this question I answer, yes. The remedy I have known for many years, and I wish to give the public the benefit of it through the columns of the Gardener's Monthly. Like every thing- else that 'is given gratis, perhaps some will be found to deny or contradict the good effect of this remedy, but I challenge contra- diction and demand a fair test from the public. One pint of the seed of the castor oil bean (Eicinus communis, or Palma Ghristi) is sufficient to clear any garden of an acre or less for the season, if properly dropped in their runs, which is simply to thrust the fore- finger into the mole hill and then drop a bean there, which he will be sure t© eat next time he comes along ; at the same time covering up the hole made by the finger with a bit of earth, chip, stone or clod, so as to make the run tight as before and keep out the light. This plan I have found effectual in all gardens where I have tried it. It is not quite so satisfactory in grass lands, because it is •often bard to find all their runs in the grass. Also, in planting 374 Missouri State Horticultural Society. corn in fields where this pest abounds, if a seed be dropped occa- sionally in the hill along with the corn the mole will eat the bean in preference to the corn, and as sure as he eats it that is the last of him. If this plan be adopted when the moles first begin to run, which is generally after the garden is made and nicely planted, they are easily got rid of, and no trap of any kind need ever be intro- duced into the garden. This saves much time, labor and annoyance. — Gardeners Monthly. PAKIS GREEN FOR THE CODLING MOTH. President Saunders remarks : ''Within the past two or three years Paris green mixed with water in the proportion of a tea- spoonful to a pailful of water has been recommended as a remedy for the codling moth, the mixture being freely applied to the apple trees with a syringe or force-pump soon after the fruit is set. In my own experiments where the mixture was applied to alternate trees, the proportion of wormy fruit in some instances on the trees syringed seemed to be nearly the same as on the adjoining trees which were not treated, the fruit on both being less wormy than usual, while in other instances there was a very unusual freedom from the apple worm. Other experimenter's claim far more de- cided results." — Gardener's Monthly. An Indiana man says : " Last year I put twelve moles in my strawberry patch of five acres to catch the grubs, and they did the work. I never had a dozen plants injured during the summer, either by grubs or moles. I know some people do not care for moles on their farms, but I want them in my strawberry patch." A WASH TO KILL SCALE. Kerosene, three gallons ; whale oil soap, half pound ; water, one gallon. Dissolve the soap in hot watei* and add boiling hot to the oil. Churn the mixture at least five or ten minutes, if possible through the spray nozzle of a good force pump. This emulsion is a thick cream which should adhere to the surface of glass and show no oiliness. For use, dissolve one part of emulsion with ten parts of water. The above formula is for thirty gallons of wash. SCALE INSECTS. A writer m the London Garden says that for plants under glass, infested with bug and scale insects, paraflflne has proved a most efficient remedy, and will do more in an hour than could be effected in a day by sponging and brushing. But its powerful na- ture should never be forgotten, and it must not be applied too Secretary's Budget. 375 strong, or without continual stirring. The crudest and least pure oil, being heavier and less inclined to float on water, is best. Two or three tablespoonfuls to a gallon of water is strong enough to kill any of the above named insects. For bugs on wood work it is used unmixed, and brushed over like paint into every crack. On some tender growth it may prove hurtful, even if largely diluted. PEARS ON APPLE TEf:ES. Pears grafted on apples usually thrive wonderfully for a few years. The grafts are short-lived, however, and only two or three limbs of an apple-top should, therefore, be set to pears. Pears thus grown are commonly very large. It is the practice of some I'ruit-growers to raise pears in this manner for fairs. PROTECTINfT FRUIT FROM BIRDS. If the birds are stealing your cherries, hang several old tin cans, in which you have bought canned fruits, in the trees, and hang a small stone or a piece of metal in the can as a tongue, sus- pending it so that the least breeze will agitate it. The unusual and unexpected noise will scare any intruders. — Rural World. TOBACCO. Tobacco is good for something I do believe, better than for a man, or a he-goat, or a nasty green worm to eat. It is doubtless one of the best of insecticides. I would therefore advise gardeners and fruit-growers to plant this spring a hundred or more plants and grow to use in that way. But take care in handling it ; don't get any of it in your mouth, or its smoke in your nostrils ! — T. G. in. Prairie Farmer. WEEDS ON WALKS. A writer in an English exchange destroys moss and weeds on walks and drives by giving an annual dressing of salt. Sometimes it is gently sprinkled with water to dissolve and make it more effect- ive. ' ' Managed in this way, weeds, moss, and all other vegetable confervse disappear after the first rain, and the walks are left as bright and fresh looking as if they had been newly gravelled, and remain in that very pleasing and desirable state throughout the sea- son. Of course, it will only do to use salt where there are dead edgings or grass verges, as however carefully it may be applied, it is almost sure to injure the box, which soon shows how much the salt disagrees with it by the yellow color it turns." There is a wide difference in apples this year. Those who were so unfortunate last year as to have no apples in their orchards, find 376 MissouiH State Horticultural Society. compensation this year in fruit free from worms or nearly so. Those who had even a few apples last year have fruit as wormy as ever, except in the rare instances where trees were sprayed with water containing Paris green. This is undoubtedly an. effective de- stroyer of the codling moth, and its use on apple trees is destined to become even more general than the application of Paris green in growing potatoes. — Country Gentleman. BABBIT TRAP. A correspondent of the Farmers' Beview describes the follow- ing novel method for catching rabbits. He sa3"s : "I sunk a flour-barrel in the ground level with the surface, then took five- inch lumber, about eight feet long, and made a box, leaving an open space on the under -side the width of the barrel. I then placed two shingles on a tilt in that open space, and placed the box right over the barrel, and then I piled about twenty-five rails over the box ; that is the bait, and the trap is always set, and every man knows that a rail pile is the natural home for rabbits ; instinct leads them there for protection, and as soon as they see a rail pile the first thing they do is to examine it, and if your trap is right, all that you have to do is to take him out and un joint his neck and that tames him. I have caught eleven m one trap, and one hun- dred in one winter. But if you want to eat them you must go to the trap every morning or they Avill eat one another." SCIENTIFIC. TREES AS LIGHT]SriNG CONDUCTORS. Electricians in the Old World have come to the conclusion that the greatest j^rotection a building can have is to have a few tall trees planted near it. The branches of a tree are as so many points con- ducting the electricity by the trunk to the ground ; and hence the closer the branches grow to the trunk the better. What are called upright or fastigiate trees are therefore better for this purpose than trees with broad spreading heads. If there is a small pond of water between the tree and the building the protection is as j)erfect as it can be. ISec relay ij's Badyd. 3?? DRYJSTESS IlSr THE FRUIT HOUSE. After a low and even temperature is secured, the other essen- tials in preserving fruit are : darkness ; an air-tight room, to retain the carbonic acid given oif by the fruit, and a dry atmosphere. As stated, fruit in ripening gives oS both carbonic acid and water, or moisture. The carbonic acid, by excluding the oxygen of the air, aids in preserving the fruit. Moistnre is undesirable, as it hastens decay. The only effective method of removing it is by exposing in the room some substance that will absorb it. The French use chloride of calcium, which is a very different substance from chloride of lime. This salt has such an avidity for moisture, that it takes it from the air of the room and becomes liquified. The objection to this is its expense. An American experimenter has found a substitute in the ''bittern," or waste material of salt works, which is thrown away. This is mainly a very impure chloride of calcium, and answers the purpose. The bittern, in a large iron pan, is exposed in the fruit room. When it has become liquified by the moisture absorbed, the j)an is set over a fire and the salt dried, by driving off the water it has absorbed, when it is again ready for use. This process may be repeated indefinitely. APPAREXT WASTE IX XATURE. In his Montreal address Mr. Meehan says : " We discover nothing in the behavior of plants to indicate that they are actuated by individual good further than may be necessary to enable them to fall in with nature's great aim of preparing for the future. Millions of seeds are produced for every one that grows ; millions grow for every one that lives long enough to flower ; millions of flowers open for every one that yields seeds, and millions on mil- lions of grains of pollen are produced for every one grain that is of service in fertilization. But these surplus seeds, surplus plants, surplus pollen are useful, not to the parents which bore them, not in any way to themselves, but as sacrifices to posterity. They serve as food. They die that something else may live. They all work in with nature's grand aim of developing something for the future. At the present time the eyes of science are turned to the past. We compare the dim view with that which is about us, and we perceive that all things have worked together for the good of the whole. We see that nothing has lived in vain. We know that in the general economy of nature there is no waste anywhere." — Journal of Horticulture. 378 Missouri State Horticultural Society. FRUIT-RIPE]Sri]SrG AND DECAY. After a fruit has attained its full size, and received from the tree all the nutriment that can conduce to its perfection, it is fully mature and then makes preparation for dropping. This is especially seen in the pear, in which the hold upon the tree, so to speak, is lessened, and if the fruit be gently raised to a horizontal position, the stem parts from the tree by a clean fracture. In the peach and some other fruits, decay soon follows maturity, while in the Russet apples it does not occur until at the end of several mouths. Among apples and pears we find a great difference in the rapidity wuth which decay takes place. In some it occurs in a few days after ma- turity, and it is useless to try to keep these. They are called early varieties, and must be disposed of as soon as possible after they are mature. The late varieties of aj^ples and pears afford no exception to the statement that fruits commence to decay soon after they are mature. This decay is very slow, but not the less certain. In keeping such fruits we endeavor to retard and prolong the process as much as possible. There is a certain point in the process of de- cay at which these fruits are best suited for use. We call it ripeness or mellowness, and say that the fruit ism "eating condition." When fruit reaches this condition, destructive decay or rotting soon follows. After late apples are stored for the winter, the gradual decay, of which we have spoken, commences. Important changes are going on within the fruit. It absorbs oxygen from the air of the room, and gives off carbonic acid gas. Another change results in the formation of water, which is given off as moisture. The tak- ing up of oxygen by the fruit, and the giving off of carbonic acid, in a short time so vitiate the atmosphere of the room in which the fruit is kept, that it will at once extinguish a candle, and destroy animal life. An atmosphere of this kind tends to preserve the fruit. There being little or no oxygen left in the air of the room, the process of decay is arrested. Hence it is desirable that the room be air-tight, in order to maintain such an atmosphere. The production of carbonic acid shows that the cellar in a dwelling is an improper place for storing fruit. When the gas is present in the air in sufficient proportion, it causes death, and a very small quantity will cause headache, listlessness, and other unpleasant effects. No doubt that many of the troubles attributed to malaria, are due to the gases from vegetables and fruits stored in the cellar. A fruit cellar should be underneath some other building than the dwelling, or a fruit house may be built entirely above ground. A Secretary's Budget. 379 house to keep fruit properly must be built upon the principle of a refrigerator. Its walls, floor, and ceiling, should be double, and the space between them filled with saw-dust. The doors and windows should be double, and as light is undesirable, the win- dows are to be provided with shutters. There should be a small stove for use, if needed, to keep a proper temperature in severe weather. AVINTER-KILLIJTG PLANTS AND TREES. Attention has frequently been called to the fact that rapid growing trees and plants are more apt to winter-kill than those of slow growth. L. H. Bailey, Jr., gives this probable explanation of the cause in the Countrij Gentleman : I have this fall made micro- scopical examinations of well-ripened apple twigs of rapid and slow growth. In all cases the thickened interior cell-walls, with their peculiar markings, gave evidence of maturity. The thickness of the walls was about the same in both kinds of twigs, but the cell- cavities were from one and a half to over two times as large in the rapidly grown twigs as in the slowly gi'own ones. If the theory be correct that winter-killing of tender bi'auches is due to the rupturing of the cell-walls by the freezing of the moist contents of the cells, we may have here an explanation of our problem. In proportion to the size of cell-cavities, the cell-walls in the rapidly growing twigs were only about half as strong as in the other twigs, and so they could not withstand so great a strain. THE FUTURE OF HORTICULTURAL EXPERIMENT. The Secretary dispatclied a note to Dr. E. L. Sturtevant, Director of the New York Experimental Station, inquiring what was his view of the trend experiments should take to be of greatest advantage to the horticulturalist. A prompt reply is so full of suggestions that we give it complete as follows : Chas. W. Garfield, Esq., Grand Rapids, Mich. Dear Sir : — You ask me for a note upon the future of hor- ticultural experiment for use iu your portfolio. I suppose jou are aware that an answer must be merely an opinion whicli cannot be supported by facts or data of an accurate character. It seems to me that the work in horticulture has been very hap- hazard, and that the great gain that has been made has come more from the number of people who have been engaged in the attempt to form new and improved varieties tlian from any one particular system that they have followed. Whether horticulture shall make 380 Missouri State Horticultural Society. rapid strides, and work toward a definite aim in the future, will de- pend upon the extent to which the methods of science are applied to the problem. When we can secure accurate, exact data, and connect all oar observations with preceding facts, the time must surely come when we shall be able to direct the forces of nature so as to cause a production of fruits with definite qualities and for definite purposes. The first eUort must be to determine Just where we stand at present and what we- really know. No matter how simple the question which is referred to us, as to the effect of hy- bridization, the effect of selection, of cultivation, or of treatment, we do not seem to have aught but impressions to offer in reply. For horticultural experiment it seems requisite to determine numerically the effect of any procedure of ours by which we modify or direct plant growth toward a certain direction. Thus, in hybridization, what is the influence of variety ? What is the in- fluence of species ? Does the female parent give form or quality, or produce any other effect differing from that produced by the influence of the male parentage ? What is the percentage of variation in each experiment tried, and in what direction are the variations ? What is the per cent, of variation as between the first, second, or third generation after the original hybridization ? What qualities are requisite in a fruit in order that it may become rot- resisting, blight-resisting, or insect-resisting ? And so I might go on almost indefinitely, for the field is a broad one. But I might give my own view succinctly by stating that the future of horti- cultural experiment depends largely upon the number of attempts which are made Avith numerical data as their basis. The problem of horticulture must be attacked from the mathematical side before we can obtain that table of constants which shall be so essential toward future advance. Very truly yours, E. Lewis Sturtevant. FREEZING OF SAP IN TREES. A correspondent inquires whether the sap freezes in winter in trees or not. We have been so often over this topic before, that it seems superfluous to go over again. But there are so many new readers of the magazine, and so much interest evidenced in the subject that it may do no harm to allude to it again. Experiments have shown that instead of the branches of trees expanding in winter time, as they would do if the sap froze, they actually con- tract. If we break a twig in sharp freezing weather we find it cracks " short off," just as it would when half dry in sum- Secretary's Budget. 381 mer time. If examined closely the bark will actually have the appearance of being dried, showing wrinkles. Now if this same twig be taken into a warm room it soon changes its appearance, the bark becomes smooth, and the twig will bend short without break- ing, and thus we conclude that the sap instead of having froze and expanded, had actually contracted, and we have the lesson that the sap does not freeze. The whole subject is curious, and it is sing- ular that so much misapprehension exists, in view of the fact that a continual flow of liquid through the plant all winter long is a necessary condition of its existence. That there is a great amount of evaporation going on we know, and that this evaporation increases with the lowness of the temperature. That liquid is turned into ice does not alter the fact. There is evaporation from ice as well as from water. This evaporation must be supplied, and is supplied during the winter by what is known as "root pressure. '' In short, the tree would die from sheer evaporation if the circu- lation was suspended by its liquids freezing. — Thomas Meelian in ^Gardener's Montlily. We are sorry to see that even Mr. J. J. Thomas uses the word " staminate " to designate the perfect (hermaphrodite, or bisexual) flowers of strawberries. By "pistillate" is meant flowers with pistils and without stamens. By "staminate"' is (or should be) meant flowers with stamens and without pistils. By "bisexaual" is va^wai perfect flowers, i. e., those with both stamens and pistils. Horticultural writers and teachers, of all people, should not encourage the use of ambiguous or erroneous terms. The words " hybrid " and "cross" are also by many used as synonyms, or interchangeably, and the word " superphosphate," which has a very definite signification, is now freely used to mean merely a commercial fertilizer, even though there is neither phosphate nor superphosphate about it. All such teachings have to be unlearned before readers can arrive at a clear understanding of the subjects involved. The R. N. Y. has protested (alone, we believe,) for years against the use of the word " staminate " for "bisexual," or •"perfect," and "hybrid" for "cross," and vice versa, with some effect, it may be hoped. We now protest against the use of the word "superphosphate," except as applied to phosphates treated to .sulphuric acid. — Rural Neio Yorker. 382 Missouri State Horticultural Society. LOSS OF LEAVES BY EVEKGREEis^S, ^' E. W.,'^ New Albany, Ind., says : "I notice large trees of magnolia grandiflora, that, owing to the severity of last wint^', when the thermometer fell twenty-two degrees below zero, had shed their winter-browned leaves, and seemed apparently dead, re- suming life, and again unfolding their mantle of rich green. The loss of foliage usually proves fatal to evergreens, does it not ?" [The fact that the loss of leaves by an evergreen is usually fatal, refers only to coniferous trees or the ''needle" bearing sec- tion. But pine needles are not leaves in the usual acceptation of the term. Pine leaves are adnate or connate with the stem, though when the plants are young or have low vital powers they are some-- times seen wholly free, and not united with the branches. The needles are modified branches, though often called phyllodes. Now we see that the tree having lost its true leaves in a natural way, and forced to rely on a modification of branches to perform the offices of leaves is in a very bad way when these also are lost. There is indeed nothing left out of which leaves can come, and this is the reason why such trees suffer so much. When an ordi- nary tree loses its leaves, the axial bud develops, and makes another crop, and does what, in the pine, has already been done. So far from the loss of a leaf in winter to a broadleaved ever- green being an injury, it would probably be a benefit, by lessening the draft by the atmosphere on the plant's liquid capacities. We should not be surprised if a Magnolia grandiflora, often killed in winter in northern latitudes, would be as hardy as other species, if divested of its leaves in autumn. — Ed. G. M.~\ A truth well known to all intelligent fruit-growers is that, next to the pear, the wood, leaves and fruit of the apple, when reduced to ashes, contain more potash and phosphate of lime than any other common fruit tree, yet how many supply these to the soil, notwithstanding the hundred instances in which beneficial effects have resulted from the use of ashes ? Above all, how few provide water in quantity large enough to dissolve these mineral elements, so that the roots can avail of them after the ashes are applied ! Only in form of a solution can the roots absorb food. If, then, a given soil is very rich in these mineral elements, and deficient in water to form this solution, the supply of plant food will be insufficient, and the trees will starve to death sooner or later. It is easy to understand, then, how one soil, admirably suited to the wants of the apple tree in all mineral substances, but deficient in water or moisture, and subject to drouth, may not Secretary's Budget. 383 support trees in health and fniitfulness, and in another soil, not so well supplied with the mineral elements, but in a state so constantly moist that there is always an abundance of mineral food in solution to support the trees in health. INFLUENCE OF POLLEN ON STEAWBERRIES. There has been considerable discussion of late regarding stam- inate and pistillate varieties of strawberries. A paper was read by Prof. Lazenb3% of the Ohio Experiment Station before the late meeting of the American Association for the advancement of science, giving results of recent experiments. The Rural Neiu Yorker summarizes them thus : "These experiments seem very decidedly to show that the shape, color, firmness, and quality of the so-called pistillate straw- berries are influenced by the pollen which fertilizes tliem. Boxes covered with glass were placed over the different pistillate varie- ties, and the pollen was applied by hand. Although somewhat imperfect, in every instance there was a marked resemblance in shade, size, color, and general appearance to the fruit of the male parent. All of the duplicate tests showed exactly the same re- sults. Owing to an early and long protracted drouth, strawberries grown in Central Ohio the past season were not nearly as large or perfect as they usually are. The same cause affected the cross- bred berries. Yet despite this, the characteristics of the male parent were plainly evident in each case. So strongly did they predominate that there was little or no resemblance to the fruit of the female parent. No one would have named any of the four cross-bred samples as Crescents, while every one acquainted with the varieties from which .the pollen was taken could readily iden- tify the fruit it had fertilized as the same variety. When the pollen of the Cumberland Triumph was used the color was very light and the berries exceedingly soft. Those fertil- ized with the pollen of the James Vick were small but very firm and remarkably perfect in outline. The cross with the Charles Downing showed a marked resemblance in shape, color and con- sistency to this well-known variety. It showed, also, the characteristic gloss of this fruit. Where the Sharpless was used as the male parent the berries were large and irregular. The fruit of this cross was much more imperfect than that of any other. Thus far we have only spoken of the effect produced by cross-fertilizing one well-known pistillate variety of the strawberr3% the Crescent. A further test was made in the same manner by pollenating a com- 384 Missouri State Horticultural /Society. paratively new pistillate variety, the Manchester, with the Sharpless and the James A'ick, two of the four varieties used to fertilize the Crescent. The results obtained were- precisely similar to those already described. The Manchester fertilized by the Sharj)less pro- duced large berries resembling the Sharpless, and possessing few of the characteristics of the Manchester. When artificially pollenated by the James Vick, the Manchester produced a small, firm, perfect and regular berry like that of the male parent. Director Lazenby must be credited with having made the first systematic experiments to determine the effect of pollen from dif- ferent varieties upon the pistillate kinds. THE ORIGIN OF SOILS. Barely does the farmer whose plow or hoe is dulled by striking against a buried stone, reflect that upon the mineral composition of that stone was dependent to a very considerable extent the barrenness or fertility of the soil he cultivates. Yet such is the case, for soil is but disintegrated or decomposed rock, mingled with more or less organic or vegetable matter. XO SOILS ORIGINALLY. In the earlier days of the earth's history there was no soij, but the exposed surface everywhere consisted of hard, barren rock, affording neither nourishment nor foothold for any kind of plant life. After a time, however, through the combined chemical action of air and water, the surface of the rock became weathered and porous, and there began to grow upon it the lower kinds of plants, such as lichens and mosses, just as we may now see them growing ujjon ledges and stone walls, especially where it is a little damp. These lived and died, and furnished by their decomposition not only vegetable mold for other plants to take root in, but also small amounts of humic and other organic acids which partly dissolved the rock, thus allowing the growing plants to drive their minute rootlets still farther down, and wedge off more small particles, and expose fresh surfaces to its solvent action. Thus, aided by heat and frost, through hundreds and thous- ands of years, the rocks continued to weather or disintegrate, and the vegetable mold continued to accumulate, affording nourishment and rooting place for more and larger plants, until as now the land was covered with vegetation of all kinds, varying in size from the minute fungus, visible only with the microscope, to the giant Sequoia tree of the California forests. Secretary's Budget. 385 ACTIOX OF AIR, WATER, AXD FROST. That the agencies just described may seem to many persons far too weak and slow in their action to give rise to soils of such depths as are found in many localities, is very probable. Espec- ially will this be the case with those living in the northern and eastern states, where, in ancient times, the great ice-sheet called a glacier has scraped tlie tops of the hills entirely bare and left them hard, barren, and apparently indestructible. But "firm as the everlasting hills,^^ is only a poetic expression. From a geological standpoint hills are neither firm nor everlasting. The great destroyer. Time, is as relentless in his dealings with rocks and hills as with human beings ; it is but a question of time and nothing more. Let any one examine for himself the soil, accumulated at the foot of a large mass of roek, of whatever kind, and he will find it to consist of small fragments of the same material as the rock itself, mixed with particles of decaying wood and leaves. Or if he live in the southern states, beyond the limits of the glacial or ice action, he may be able, in any deep road or railway cut, to trace the gradual jjassage downward from flue, loose soil to hard, compact rock. There are many places in Maryland and Virginia where the observA' may easily trace this transition, and in one locality which the writer has in mind, a hard, tough rock, composed almost Avholly of quartz and mica, has become so rotten for a deptli of nearly eighty feet below the surface, as to be readily dug up with pick and shovel. The resultant soil, it is interesting to note, is not remarkable for its fertility. SEDENTARY AND DRIFT SOILS. Since, then, there are many different kinds of rocks, so, also, there are many different kinds of soils ; but geologically they mav all be grouped under two heads, the distinction being based upon their methods of formation. The first of these are called " sedent- ary soils," (sedentary from the Latin seder e, to sit,) that is, soils resulting from the decomposition of rocks in situ, and which have never been removed by water or ice from the portions in which they originated. Such soils necessarily agree closely in composition with the rock which they overlie. They are perhaps more common in the southern than in the northern states, cover a more limited area, and, in some cases, contain a much larger proportion of organic, or vegetable matter than those included under the second head, which are called drift 386 Missotiri State Horticultiiral Society. soils, since they no longer occupy the positions in which they originated, but have been washed or drifted by running water or moving ice, and redeposited in new locadities. As in this process of transportation across the country soils resulting from the disintegration of many kinds of rock are brought together and thoroughly mixed, drift soils are, as one would naturally infer, much more complex in composition than those of purely sedentary origin. They vary in fact almost indefinitely, and to them may be referred the greater part of our deepest and most fertile soil. SOILS IS VARIOUS STATES. As already intimated, the majority of our soils are drift ; nev- ertheless sedentary ones of greater or less area may be found in ev- ery State. According to the celebrated geologist, Prof. Geikie, the deep, rich soils of many of our Western prairies belong to this class. Dr. White, in writing on the geology of Iowa, states that at the mouth of the Redwood river there is a cliff of granite upwards of 100 feet in height that has become so thoroughly decompo.^ed from top to bottom as to be readily crushed in the hand. This is there- fore a sedentary soil and the upper portion is very fertile. The so- called Erie shales underlying part of Ashtabula county, Ohio, de- lompose into a sedentary soil consisting of stiff yellow clay which is very fertile. The brown Triassic sandstones of Gonnecticuf give a light porous soil, and Aroostook county, Maine, the most fertile portion of the State, is underlain by slate and limestone from wdieuce the soil originated. It is doubtful if this last is tiuly sed- entary, but at all events the drift here, as m many other localities, has been slight, and it is often possible to judge correctly of the na- ture of the soil of any locality from a knowledge of the rocks un- derlying it. To the class of sedentary soils belong, also, those large deposits of moss and peat in our bogs and swamps. These are especially abundant in European countries. About one-seventh of all Ireland is thus covered, and one bog contains an area of :?38,500 acres, over which the jaeat averages 25 feet in depth. ORIGIlf OF PRAIEIE SOILS. A large proportion of the soils of Iowa are "drift/' those of the northern part of the state having been brought from Minne- sota. Geologists say, however, that the greater part of the Iowa drift soils have resulted from the decomi^osition of rocks within the state limits and the amount of drift has therefore been slight. On the western part of the state the heavy drift soils were found by the geologist, Dr. White, to be mixed to a considerable extent Secretary's Budget. 387 with the light, sandy, sedentary soils, wliich resulted, from the decomposition of the underlying sandstone. This admixture of the two varieties is said to be beneficial in making the resultant soil lighter and more mellow. In the southern part of the state the soil is clayey, having been formed by the decomposition of the clayey and shaly rocks in the near vicinity. Prof. Newberry says that more than half of Ohio is covered by drift soils. In the Western Eeserve the underlying rocks are sandstones such as would by their disintegration give rise to very light and barren soil ; whereas, as is well known, this is one of the most fertile regions ol:" the state. The reason is simply this : that the poor, sandy, seden- tary soil has been completely covered by a drift clay from the north. In the southern half of the Eeserve the drift clay is mixed with a much greater j^roiDortion of sand and gravel, and is there- fore lighter and dryer. And so we might go on indefinitely, did time and space permit. Enough has, however, been said to show that rocks and soils are by no means so unlike "as they may at first appear, and to teach us that the slow persistent action of plant growth, of air, water, and of frost, have had far more to do with fitting the earth for man's abode than we may heretofore have realized. The rush and roar of a tornado,- and the convulsions of a Krakatoa, although fearful in their intensity, are comparatively local in their effects. All over our earth, however, the rocky hills and mountains are slowly crumbling away. Too slowly, it may be, for human eye to mark, but none the less surely. And the time must come when the places that know them shall know them no more, but they shall have en- tirely disappeared under a layer of soil and vegetable growth. — G. P. Merrill, of National Museum, in Prairie Farmer. THE CROSS-FERTILIZATIOSr OF STRAWBERRIES. The idei:^ that the fertilization of berries affects the fruit as to size and appearance, appears to be a new one. I do not remember reading anything of such a theory until quite recently. It is not a plausible theory, and my experience does not corroborate it. Mr. Kogers, in the Rural of July 19, describes the different effects pro- duced on the Manchester by fertilization with Miner's Prolific and Sharpless. It happens that I have contiguous beds of these three varieties. Here is a bed of Miner four feet wide, separated by a path, a foot wide, from a similar bed of Manchester, and not en- tirely separated for careless cultivation has allowed the two kinds to run close together. The Manchesters here are identical with those 388 Misstwi State Uorticulttiral Society. several yards away from all other sorts. On the opi^osite side of the garden, the Manchester runs close up to the Sharpless. No perceptible difference in appearance and size was noticed here, I have had for three years jjast ten to twenty-five varieties, some in single beds contiguous to other sorts, and some in beds thirty feet wide. No difference was noticed in the fruit in the middle of large beds from that on the edges, where, if this theory be true, fertilization by other sorts would be more sensibly felt. Doubtino-. or i-ather rejecting, tliis theory, I am almost ready to doubt the commonly accepted one that a pistilate berry cannot be fruitful without a stamiiiate close by. It would be interesting and bene- ficial to call out the experience of those who have experimented in this matter.— /. J. Foote, Vif/o Co.. Inch A SUPPLE JIEISTTARY PAPER UPON ANTISEPTICS, GERMICIDES AND BAOTERIACIDES. The object of this additional paper is to l^eep the mind direct- ed to the bacterian hypothesis of disease, as previously suggested in the Gardener's Monthly, and linked with pear blight and peach yellows. Witkthis recognition iu view, I will proceed with a retro- spective glance upon a limited number only of long-known and still highly-prized remedies, and which the present generation of invest- igators consider reliable agents, either as antiseptics, germicides or bacteriacides. Originally it was my intention to have presented a tabulated form of many experiments made by the most renowned men engaged in these valuable researches ; this, however, would have taken up too much of your valuable space, so I will substitute it with concise comparisons of the remedies before us, as most wor- thy of special notice and consideration. As I am a thorough believer in the prevention of disease, rather than the alternative of allowing disease to "set in" and become uncontrollable, I will first proceed to mention carbolic acid as being probably for many reasons, and in many cases, the ne plus ultra remedy as an antiseptic, and very useful as a germicide and bac- teriacide. Antiseptics as such are known by their action in de- stroying all sources of decay and decomposition and preventing the formation of germs without acting iipon the mineral or vegetable matters present, and their value depends upon their power to jjrevent the multiplication of bacteria, though this is not necessarily con- nected with germicide potency ; for some re-agents which fail to kill micro-organisms are nevertheless valuable antiseptics. Carbolic acid has been prominently before the public for many years as a Secretary's Budrjet. 389 successful iiutagonist to bacterial influence. As far back as 1866-67 I tested this article in a series of experiments upon certain substances of organic origin, and also those of an albuminous nature, the object mainly being to prevent fermentation, decomposition and putre- faction, which are corresponding conditions to the well-known bacterian theory. The intermingling of carbolic acid in the- above cases, in proportion of one part to one thousand, was tlien amply sufficient for the purpose. In 1868, Dr. F. Grace Calvert, in a lecture before the Society for the Encouragement of National Industry of France, said that carbolic acid was then tbe hope of the textile manufacturer as an antiseptic in tlie various glues, sizes, &c., inseparable from this special manufacture, and to-day we have the very highest authority in stating that it takes the lead for the same purpose, thougli chloride and sulphate of zinc are valuable and reliable, and fre- quently used. When we keep in view the fact that thirty-one species of fungi are found growing upon the cotton tissue, and this naturally arising from the use of organic substances, that without the precautionary aid of antiseptics great losses sometimes would be inevitable, why not, then, utilize the same philosophy as a cautionary measure against the spread of bacterian influence upon any vegetable structure to which it may be exposed. Any one having any interest in the matter should secure a proper and effectual syringe or force pump and try the antiseptic principle upon their trees in their own particular districts and at a time at least two weeks previous to any known case of pear blight or peach yellows having been detected, the syringing being repeated occa- sionally dui'ing any anticipated prevalence of the disease. Dr. Calvert in his lecture previously mentioned, stated that carbolic acid had the advantage over all other antiseptics inasmuch that it could not be used for any illegal purpose, as may be the case of corrosive sublimate and some others then on trial ; but the well- known investigator and experimenter, Koch, considers corrosive sublimate at the present date the disenfectant and germicide par excellence, as from his 'own experience it destroys spores in a solu- tion of one part to 20,000 and solutions of one part to 1000 and even 5000 are capable of destroying spores in a few minutes when applied as a spray. The same strong opinion is held by the editor of the Druggists' Circular who boldly asserts in the June number of the present year that no agent can compare with corrosive sublimate for the destruction of fungoid growths or bacteria, so far as reliability and power are concerned, and adds that carbolic 390 Missouri State Horticultural Society. acid is far behind it as a destroyer of bacteria ui^on animal tissues ; he has, however, no experience to offer of its effects upon vegeta- tion ; but admits that carbolic acid is one of our most precious antiseptics. One caution may be mentioned concerning the latter, and that is, from full and comjoaratively recent investigation it is said to have no antiseptic influence when mixed with oil. It is the aqueous solution only that is reliable for tlie diffusion of health. Vaporizing, as now practiced in the Eotunda Lying-in Hospital of Dublin and other institutions, both with carbolic acid and corrosive sublimate (one part to one thousand) is barely prac- tical either in orchard or garden where the "broad expanse" of air covers so much unconfined space. This theme could be continued to an almost indefinite extent ; but what fruit gi'owers are most concerned about is "'a, remedy," antiseptic rather than disinfecting; but both have been presented in this paper and I trust will prove of some value to the future experimenter. — Wm. Creed, in Gojrden- er's Monthly. CANNING FRUITS. THE ART OF CANNJNG AND PEESEETING — SEASONABLE HINTS FOE HOUSEWIVES. A writer in the Providence Star gives the following instructions for putting up fruits : Canning is in many respects the best way of preserving fruits. In the first place it is the least expensive, since the amount of sugar required is considerably less than is necessary for other methods. Again, the flavor of delicate fruits, such as Bartlett pears, peaches, egg plums, &c.^ is preserved better in cans than in any other way, and may be nearly as good as when the fruit is freshly gathered. Finally, in no way can fruit be preserved at so little expense of time and trouble. There are several Avays of successful canning. One is as fol- lows : Peel the pears or peaches, dropping them into a deep jar of cold water to prevent them from changing color from exposure to the air. Make a syrup by mixing one quarter of a pound of sugar to every pint of water. When it is boiling fast droj? the fruit in and allow it to cook until a straw will pass easily through it. Da Secretary" s Budget. 391 not put too much of the fruit in at once in order to avoid bruising it, the main object being to keep it as perfect as possible. The yellow variety of peaches M'ith a deep red stone is the richest and looks the nicest put up in this manner, although many prefer the white free-stone peach. If it is desired to have them to use on extra occasions do not divide them. Tlie stone imparts a peculiar flavor, which is an improvement, and at the same time the fruit looks better to be served whole. Pears are the most delicious of all fruits put up in this way, but they must be ripe. They also look better to be left whole, but should they be halved, remove the seeds and blossom with a small sharp knife. It is a good plan to buy one especially for the pur- pose, so as not to waste any portion, however small. Leave the stem on. If the pears are green, boil them in water until tender, and after draining them carefully, put into the syrup and cook in the same way as the ripe fruit. Another way is to fill tae jars with fruit without any previous cooking. Then fill up the jars with a syrup made by allowing one- quarter of a pound of sugar to one pint of water. Place the jars in a wash boiler with pieces of wood or straw for them to stand upon to prevent breaking, and with pads of paper between each bottle. Fill up the boiler with cold water, and place it over the fire. The syrup in the bottles must boil twenty minutes. If there is not enough of it to cover the fruit, an extra quantity will have to be made to meet this demand. The end to be attained is perfect color and flavor, without handling. Egg plums and large purple plums should be pricked with a fork ; they can be peeled, but it is a tedious process, and the skins are usually tender. All of the above should be sealed hot, according to the directions given in the last article. Jams and marmalades are similar in character, the chief dif- ference being that the former are made from juicy fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, currants, &c., while the latter are made from firmer kinds. They both require the same amount of watch- fulness during the boiling process. If they are at all scorched the flavor is unpleasant ; on the other hand, the fruit will not keep unless boiled sufiiciently. When the fruit is weighed and well scalded, add the sugar, allowing three-quarters of a pound of sugar to a })0und of fruit. The enameled preserving kettle is particularly suitable for this purpose, as the thick rim on the bottom prevents it from resting on the fire when placed over it, and at the same time allowing the con- 392 Missouri State Horticultural Society. tents to boil rapidly, and this is essential to the better preservation of the flavor and color. After the sugar has been added the fruit must be stirred frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. If such an accident should occur the jam must be turned into an- other vessel and the kettle scoured with sand soap, and every parti- cle adhering to the surface removed. The jam may then be poured back and the boiling process resumed with more watchfulness than before, for when the kettle has been scorched once it is more apt to catch again. As the scum rises it should be faithfully taken off, and, if there is much of it, strained through a fine piece of muslin that the syrup may run clear back into the kettle. For peach jam choose the yellow, soft kind, that the jam may be of that beautiful golden color so much admired. The white variety is not as good. Peel and cut the fruit into small pieces and weigh it, scald it, and then allow three-quarters of a pound of granulated sugar to a pound of peaches. Crack a few stones and blanch the kernels and scatter them through the jam. Boil until they look clear, and the syrup turns to jelly when cool. Seal when cold. Pineapple jam is very delicious. Grate the pines on a coarse grater, rejecting the core. Scald and proceed as in other kinds. Some receipts for this recommend pound for pound ; but less will answer quite as well. Green gooseberries preserved make the most delicious of all tarts, and it is worth while to secure them for this purpose if for nothing else. Eiib off the dried blossoms and stems, and allow pound for pound of sugar ; but the gooseberries must be well boiled before the sugar is added or they will not be of the right consist- ency. For orange marmalade take of high-flavored, sour oranges, half their weight in sugar. Squeeze the juice through a sieve coarse enough to allow some of the pulp to pass through as well, but none of the seeds or white inner skin. Grate in as much of the yellow rind as will flavor the marmalade richly, and if, after you have mixed the sugar with the fruit, it seems insipid, add the juice of lemon until j^roper tartness is acquired. Cook for two liours, stirring constantly, and put away in glasses or shallow wooden boxes lined with thin white paper. The small pieces rejected from your quince preserves of inferior finish will answer for marmalade. Parboil them, pour oft' nearly all the water, work u]o to a jam, and cook over a gentle fire several hours, stirring all the time. When nearly stiff, add the iStioreiary'n Badyel. 393 sugar, allowing half a pound to a pound of quince. Cook until almost too stiff to stir. Put away iu wooden boxes or cups. It will never spoil, and can be kept indefi*nitel}^ It can be cut into bits for garnishing* puddings, pies, &c., or used with omelet. This is a most useful sweetmeat, and easih' made. KEEPING FKL'IT WITHOUT CANS. In our issue of July 19th,. we published a communication to the Prairie Farmer from the editor of the Sharon (Mass.) Advo- cate, describing a simple process of keejiiiig fruits in bowls and other open-top vessels, simply covered with the unglazed cotton, such as is purchased in the stores rolled in blue paper, as follows : " Use crocks, stone butter jars, or any other convenient dishes. Prepare and cook the fruit precisely as for canning in glass jars ; fill your dishes wdth the fruit while it is yet hot, and immediately cover with cotton batting securely tied on. Remember that all putrefaction is caused by the invisible creatures in the air. Cook- ing the frait expels all these, and as they cannot pass through cotton batting, the frait thus protected will keep an indefinite period. The writer of this has kept berries, cherries, plums, and many other kinds of fruit for two years with no cover save batting on the jars." [As previously stated, if fruit can thus be unfailingly kept, it is a matter of great interest. We lind in the Sharon Advocate, of July 25th, our articles and remarks copied, and the following ed- itorial remarks, which are confirmatory of the previous statements, and we advise at least a limited trial of the process by our readers. We will not discuss the theory of the method, which is of less immediate importance than the practical outcome. Mr. Wickes says :] "This subject is of such importance to the public, and so little understood, that we again refer to it. Brother Judd, editor of the Prairie Farmer, is no doubt correct in supposing that the preserva- tion of fruits in tightly sealed cans results from the exclusion of the oxygen of the air. We suppose, however, that depriving the bacteria of oxygen deprives them of life, as no animal life can exist without it. Professor Tyndall demonstrated several years ago that all j)utref;iction was caused by the bacteria in the air, and could be prevented by enclosing the article in cotton batting. " The published results of Tyndall's experiment fell under the eye of Dr. Chase, an eminent phy.siciau of Thomaston, Maine, and he at once saw its practical value. At his suggestion, Mrs. Chase 394 Missouri State Horticultural Society. put up several gallon, of Damson plums in stone pots with but little sugar, the jars being onl}^ covered with cotton batting. The plums kept perfectly, until opened one uud two years afterward. Mrs. Chase told the result to the editor of the Advocate, and we have for three years put up berries in the same way, and never had a jar fail to keep. Last year we opened in the presence of several people, a jar of blueberries that had been put up just two years, and found them in nice order. To Professor Tyndall belongs the honor of the discovery, and to Mrs. Chase the honor of being the first to make a practical use of it. We desire to make so useful a matter known to the general public, and we only claim to have been the first to pub- lish the directions." MANURE FOR THE ORCHARD. [ I believe that the cheapest and best way to manure is by sow- ing clover and let it rot on the ground. I have' tested it to my satisfaction and find that after two years of such manuring the ground is nearly like new ground, and wonderfully improved — Secretary.] Prof. Shelton, of the Kansas Agricultural College, says red clover (trifolium pratense) deserves a prominent place in the list of forage plants suited to Eastern and Central Kansas. In 1874 and 1875, two exceptionally dry seasons, it failed almost entirely at Manhattan, giving neither pasture nor hay. But. during the fav- orable seasons which have since preyailed, it has flourished abund- antly, and has yielded more — both of hay ' and pasture — than is generally obtained in the East. He has in one season cut two ex- cellent crops of hay and a crop of seed from the same ground. Red clover in that state has one interesting peculiarity worth mentioning. When land is once seeded it never "runs out," but thickens and spreads continually by self-seeding. A piece of ground seeded with red clover in ISI'Z gave a large yield of clover hay last year. He believes that nowhere are there such large crops of clover seed grown as in Kansas. Eed clover is worth a trial anywhere in the state. Already it has taken a high place in the agriculture of the eastern aud central portions of the state, where its cultivation is rapidly extending. In very dry seasons, however, it lacks the "staying" qualities so remark- able in alfalfa. But while drouth generally reduces the yield of clover, as of all other crops, it will rarely upon clay soil perma- nently injure the plants. Regarding the relative merits of clover and alfalfa — a question often raised — he says that while the former Secretary's Budget. 395 yields scarcely more than half the hay or pasturage given by alfalfa, in the point of quality the latter is greatly inferior. The stalks of alfalfa are nearly solid and woody, and the waste in feeding is great compared with clover. — Prairie Farmer. MANURING FRUIT TREES. One of the leading contributors to the London Garden makes the following good practical remarks in favor of a practice which fruit growers in this country are finding of great importance : It is singular how long some fallacies retain their liold, even after they have been disproved by facts, and of these, one of the most mischievous is the belief that fruit trees and bushes are liable to injury rather than benefit from the application of manure. All sorts of diseases, such as canker and other ailments to which fruit trees are liable, are set down as the result of applying manure to the roots ; whereas, in nine cases out of ten, it arises from poverty of the soil, causing the roots to run down into the bad subsoil. I am continually hearing complaints from owners of fruit trees as to their unsatisfactory condition, and on examination have invariably found scarcely any surface roots or fibres of any kind, nothing but large, thong like roots, that run right down into the subsoil. On inquiry 1 have usually found that manuring or top-dressing had not been practiced for many 3^ears, their owners having come to the conclusion that such practices were dangerous. I do not say that manure will prove to be a cure for fruit-tree ailments of all kinds, but I will briefly detail a few facts that have come under my observation at various times, to prove that starva- tion of the roots is a far more prolific source of injury than abund- ant feeding of the surface roots, both with solid and liquid manures, and growers must form their own conclusions as to the best course to pursue. The fruitful or unfruitful state of orchard trees in nine cases out of ten is entirely dependent on the attention which they receive as regards manuring. In the fruit growing parts of Kent, where large orchards of standard trees planted on grass laud is the rule, it is a well established fact that if the grass is cut for hay and carried away, the trees soon become unfruitful and die out ; while, on the contrary, if the grass is fed off, so that the nutriment is re- turned to the roots in the shape of manure, the trees keep fruitful and healthy. I have seen some of the most moss-grown, miserable specimens of starved orchard trees restored to fruitful condition by making the gi'ound beneath them the winter quarters of sheep and pigs, feeding them the same time as if they Avere in -the farmyard 396 Missouri State Horticultural Society. with roots and corn. The finest old specimens of apple and pear trees are generally those in an orchard next to the homestead that is used as a run for calves, sheep, pigs, and poultry the whole year round. In these orchards the turf is short, and, being full of nutri- ment, the trees keep healthy and prolific for an indefinite period. Ashes, garden refuse, or any kind of road scrapings, or even scav- engers' rubbish may be utilized for increasing our supply of orchard fruits. They should be spread roughly on the surface in winter, and in spring luirrowed and rolled down firmly. The result will soon be a marked improvement in the size and quality of the crop. Difference of opinion prevails as to pruning or not pruning trees, some adopting one S3"stem and some another ; but, be that as it ■ may, I never knew fruit trees continue to yield good crops for any length of time unless the roots were supplied with manure in some form or other. A notable part of the proceedings at the two days' session last week of the New Jersey Horticultural Society, in Camden, was a successful market gardener's report of four years' experiments with "fertilizers and modes of application. In one instance, as a mix- ture, he used twenty-five loads of stable manure and a ton of bone, or of some other commercial brand, at a saving of- about twenty dollars per acre over the use of manure alone. Another combination was twenty-five bushels of poultry droppings, four hundred pounds each of cotton seed meal, plaster, fine bone meal and sulphate of potash, and ten bushels of muck, making about one and a hali' tons, at a cost of about seventeen dollars per ton. This gave as good results as bone meal and different brands of fertilizers side by side, at a saving of fully twenty dollars per ton. In applying fer- tilizer alone he used from one to one and a half tons to the acre in spring ; barnyard manure was applied in winter on fall-ploughed ground. By this process he increased his receipts from $1,750 per year to 17,300. By high manuring and thorough tillage the crops were larger, one to two weeks earlier, and, being of quick growth, were of better quality, found an early market, ready sale at good prices and a fair profit, and by the time the market was overstocked his crop was harvested and the same ground ready for a second crop the one manuring serving for both. The benefit of soluble and readily available plant-food was shown in the following averages of four years with seeds and plants from plantings to harvest : Early cabbage, (wintered plants), eighty days ; lettuce, forty-four ; early tomatoes, fifty-two ; cauliflower, eighty ; celery, seventy ; radish (first crop, seed), fifty ; beets, sixty- Secretary's Budget. 397 eight ; onions (sets), sixty-nine. The advice given was to broad- cast all the fertilizer or manure you can, and as little in the hill as possible. On a river bottom or banked meadow with soil ten feet deep, a deposit of vegetable matter considered inexhaustible — only requiring an occasional dressing of lime to produce seventy-five bushels of corn per acre, or heavy crops of grass — an acre was tried with late cabbage, using one ton of fertilizer broadcast ; re- sult a heavy crop, 95 per cent, heading. Another acre had the same quantity of fertilizer applied in the row ; the crop of leaves was immense, covering the ground, with not over thirty per cent heading. A few rows adjoining, without fertilizer, were little better than a failure, becoming a prey to lice, while none of these insects were to be found on the broadcast portion. He thus learned a lesson in application of manure ; also that our richest soils are often lacking in some elements of fertility. — N. Y. Tribune. MANURING THE ORCHARD. That the orchard should be kept well manured is at the present time very generally admitted ; but what is the cheapest and best material to apply is as yet unsettled. Those who have had an opportunity to test the different fertil- izers, are as a rule opposed to the application of large quantities of fresh stable manure, especially to the pear orchard, but if such manure is to be applied it should be applied in the autumn. That bearing trees consume considerable quantities of both |)hosphates and potash is conceded by all, and that the application of large quantities of manure rich in nitrogen is not only not necessary, but positively injurious, is the opinion of some very intelligent orchardists. We have seen orchards very much im- proved by appljang wood ashes in considerable quantities, but not as much as when fertilized with a moderate quantity of ground bone, which would seem to imply that the phosphate is needed the most. Some orchardists apply ground bone and wood ashes, or muriate of potash, mixed with good success. Fifty bushels of ashes, and 1,000 pounds of ground bone, makes a very liberal dressing for an acre of land, and will last a number of years. When wood ashes cannot be obtained, 500 pounds of muriate of potash may be used in its place. When barn manure is to be used, if only half the usual quan- tity be applied, and the same value of ground bone be applied with it, the result will be much more satisfactory, than if all manure be 398 Missouri State Horticultural Society. applied. When an orchard gets grown to near its full size, it is not so desirable that materials should be applied to force the growth of the wood, as it is to force the growth of the fruit ; this is a fact that ought not to be lost sight of. An orchard just set, will bear more nitrogen and potash than the orchard that is fully grown. In applying fertilizers to an orchard, it should be spread over the entire surface of the ground, and not applied, as some do only a few feet from the tree. The feeding roots of a tree are at the small ends of the roots, more than at the large ends near the tree, and they are also very near the surface, where the land is not ploughed every year, therefore, whatever fertilizer is applied should be spread evenly over the surface, and left but a few inches under it, then the feeding roots will easily reach it. — Massachusetts Ploioman. FERTILIZING PEACH ORCHARDS. Keferring to Prof. Penhallow's experiments to find remedies for the " yellows" in peach trees the New England Farmer says : Without going into details, we may say that muriate of potash and dissolved bone have been found to give excellent results. In one case, where several diseased trees Avere treated with different kinds of fertilizers, the only one that became healthy was the one manured with muriate of potash. Similar results have been obtained at the Massachusetts State College Farm, where Dr. Goss- man has been applying muriate of potash to peach trees. So strongly do indications point in this direction, that J. W. Clark, who has one of the largest and best peach orchards in the state, has discarded all other fertilizers for peach trees except bone and potash. The explanation seems in part to be tlmt ordinary stable manures contain too much nitrogen for the healthy growth of the peach, causing too luxuriant a growth of leaf and wood, especially late in the season, and that this late soft growth cannot endure our ordinary winter weather. Prof. Clarke, we believe, is in doubt whether the "yellows" should be classed as a specific disease, but thinks it may be only a condition of partial starvation, caused by being restricted to an ill-proportioned supply of plant food. Some of the finest peach orchards to be found anywhere are fertilized almost exclusively with unleached wood ashes. On the general effect of nitrogenous manures upon vegetation, Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert remark in one of their reports, that "it should be called to mind that a general tendency of nitrogenous manures is to favor luxuriant and continuous growth, as distinguished from Secretary's Budget. ' 399 • a rest and cousolidatiou of that already formed, whilst that of mineral manures is to favor consolidation rather than luxuriance. Or, to put it in another way, a characteristic effect of nitrogenous manures is to favor the extension of foliage, and to give it depth of color, wliereas that of the mineral manures is to tend to stem forma- tion and production of seed." In the light of recent experiments in feeding peach trees, as carried on at Houghton Farm, and the Massachusetts State College, many of our old peach growers who had abandoned the business on account of the uncertainty of the crop, are making preparations for setting out new orchards. We should never recommend setting peach trees in the fall, but it is a good time now to be getting a place ready, and to find out where good healthy young trees can be procured for setting in the spring. The peach is too valuable a fruit to be neglected wherever it can be grown. If the pomological student now passes east from Breslau one thousand miles to Saratov, on the Volga, he will learn another lesson in cherry growing, which he will not soon forget. He is now in the rich, black soil section of Russia, with an annual rain- fall of only tw^elve inches, and with a common southeast wind in summer bringing the breath of the desert, and a common north- t'Rst wind in winter bringing a temperature of 40 degrees below zero in extreme test years. Even here we find thrifty trees of low- growing, thick-leaved, sweet cherries, said to be natives of Northern Bokhara ; and we find many varieties of Amarelos with leaves much thicker than those at Breslau and with fruit richer in grape sugar. If the student now turns northwest to a point about one hun- dred and fifty miles east of Moscow, he will be in the midst of the largest cherry orchards of the east plain. Here he will see — if in cherry season — whole trains loaded with dark colored, small-pitted, nearly sweet cherries, picked from many-stemmed bushes rather than trees. By this time — having in passing eastward and northward eaten cherries for over a month — he will conclude with us that America has a wide range to choose from in adapting the cherry to the different soils and climates of the continent. Two years ago w^e obtained a number of varieties of the East- ern cherries, and, last spring, we put in a specimen orchard , about thirty other sorts. The behavior of these plants I have watched with much interest ; so far they have fully met my expectations as to endurance of our winters and ability to carry heavy fol- iage through our changeable, half-tropical summers. In the near 400 Mit^souri State Horticultural Society. future the college grounds, and our many trial stations, v.ill tell the whole story as to the truth of my present belief that the cherry growing region of the North-west will yet extend up to Lake Win- nipeg.— Prof. J. L. Budd. THE SOUTHERN APPLES. Ed's Peairie Farmer: Your correspondent B. F. J., of Champaign, 111., strikes the right key when he states in a recent number of the Prairie Farmer, that we must look to the south for reliable winter apples, instead of tlie north. Above 41 degrees Baldwin, Seek-no-further, Cogswell, Minister, etc., do reasonably, but in central and southern Ohio, and westward through Missouri, and Kansas, they become strictly autumn apples, dropping early, and decaying rapidly, as many have found to their cost. Northern Spy, which at Rochester, N. Y., is a fine winter apple, keeping until April, is all gone here by the end of November. Thirty years ago, when the writer began to collect fruits, the northern varieties were his main hope. Like thousands of others he knew no better ; and it was not until after years of failure that his attention was drawn to the southern varieties. As might reasonaby be expected, not all the southern apples will be desirable north of the Ohio. The summer varieties, as a rule, are of comparatively little value. The late autumn and winter varieties, however are very promising, and ' experience will show which of these are best. Mason's Stranger, from southern Virginia, resembles Stuart's Golden of central Ohio, but is smaller, and not so good a bearer, nor so good in quality. And Camack's Sweet, of N. C, Steph- enson's Winter, of Miss., and some others do not seem desirable. On the other hand. Hoover, Kinuaird's Choice, Cedar Falls, Cullasaga, Cannon Pearmain, Sparks, Press Ewing, and Kentucky Long Stem, have given much satisfaction, and Johnson, from southern 111., may be classed with these. At first, fears were entertained concerning their liardiness, but after the severest winters, the shoots of Mamma and one or two others, which suffer most, were but slightly discolored, and not more so than the shoots of Smitli's Cider, and Cornell's Fancy. Great interest is felt in the more recent introductions : Guil- ford's Red and Forney from N. C, Black Twig from Tenn., Arkansas Black and Stevenson Pippin from Ark., Norton Pippin. Kestner and Brewington Pippin, from Ky., Santa from Ga., etc. —R. J. B. Secretary's Budget. 401 NEW THINGS. REVISED NAMES OF FRUITS. We have recommeuded occasionally in past years a revision of some of the names of fruits, and more recently the subject was taken up iu a thorough manner by Marshall P. Wilder, president of the American Pomological Society, in his recent address before that body. The result has been the adoption of a large number of revised names in the recently published catalogue of the society. We copy the following list of the alterations from the last volume of its proceedings, in which our readers will see the great improve- ment which has been made. In a few instances we should have gone a little further, and omitted a few words which still appear to be unnecessary. For instance, the word " Prolific " may be omitted from "Miner's Prolific," as at least half of the new straw- berries are prolific, and the adjective does not distinguish the sort. ''Jodoigne'' is enough for "Triumph of Jodoigne," as, judging from the quality of this pear, we should not regard it a great triumph. " Cole '" is a sufficient name for "Cole's Early," which by the way is some weeks later than several of our new sorts. " Tewksbury " is a suflficiently large name for the little apple wiiich bears it, and it is unnecessary to add the word "winter," as there is no summer apple of this name. For the same reason " Knight's Black" would be more expressive than "Knight's Early," and "Autumn Paradise" more convenient than "Paradise of Autumn." The following lists of the former and of the revised names, comprise all which have been changed in the society's catalogue : ' APPLES. Name Rejected. Name Adopted. American Golden Pippin American Golden. American Summer Pearmain American Summer. Carolina Red June Carolina June. Chenango Strawberry Chenango. Cooper's Early White Cooper's Early. Cox's Orange Pippin Cox's Orange. Danver's Winter Sweet Dan ver's Sweet. Duchess of Oldenburg .... ... Oldenburg. Early Red Margaret Early Margaret. Hubbardston Nonesuch Hubbardston. Jewett's Fine Red Jewett's Red. 402 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Name Rejected. Name Adojited. Kentucky Eed Streak Kentucky Red. King of Tompkins County Tompkins King. Kirkbridge AVhite Kirkbridge. Large Yellow Bough Sweet Bough. Marquis of Lome Lome. Marston's Red Winter Marston's Red. Otoe Red Streak Otoe. Pleasant Valley Pippin Pleasant Valley. Pyle's Red Winter Pyle's Winter. Striped Sweet Pippin Striped Sweet. Tewksbury Winter Blush Tewksbury Winter. Twenty Ounce Apple Twenty Ounce. CHERKIES. Bigarreau of Mezel Mezel. Early Purple Guigne Earley Purple. Empress Eugenie . . .• Eugenie. Knight's Early Black Knight's Early. CURRANTS. Fertile d'Angers Angers. Fertile de Palluau ; . Palluau. Knight's Large Red Knight's Red. La Versaillaise Versaillaise. GOOSEBERRIES. Smith's Improved Smith's, Woodward's Whitesmith Wliitesmith. GRAPES. Hartford Prolific Hartford. FOREIGN GRAPES. Calabrian Raisin Calabrian. Early Silver Frontignan Silver Frontignan. Lady Downes' Seedling ........ Lady Downes'. Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat Mrs. Pince's Muscat. Wiimot's Black Hamburg Wilmot's Hamburg. PEACHES. Amsden's June Amsden. Austin's Late Red Austin's Late. . Cole's Early Red Coles's Early. Cook's Late White . . ...•'... Cook's Late. Crackett's Late White Crackett's Late. Secretary's Budget. 403 Name Rejected Name Adopted. Early Albert Albert. Early Beatrice Beatrice. Early Louise Louise. Early Rivers Rivers. Early Tillotsoii \ Tillotson. Harker's Seedling Harker. Hoover's Late Heath Hoover's Heath. Van Zandt's Superb Van Zandt. Ward's Late Free Ward's Late. PEARS. Belle Epine Dumas E2:)ine Dumas. Beurre Bosc Bosc. Beurre Clairgeau Clairgeau. Beurre d'Amanlis Amanlis. Beurrre d'Anjou Anjou. .Beurrre de Brignais Brignais. Beurre Diel Diel. Beurre Giffard Giffard. Beurre Hardy Hardy. Beurre Langelier Langelier. Beurre Superfin Superlin. Bonne du Puits Ansault Ansault. Dearborn's Seedling Dearborn. Doyenne Boussock Boussock. Doyenne d'Ete Summer Doyenne. , Doyenne du Cornice Cornice. Dr. Bachman Bachman. Dr. Lindley Lindley. Duchesse d'Angouleme Angouleme. Duchesse de Bordeaux Bordeaux. Golden Beurre of Bilboa Bilboa. Jalousie de Foutenay Vendee Fontenay. Josephine de Malines Josephine of Malines. Knight's Seedling Knight. Louise Bonne de Jersey Louise Bonne of Jersey. ?^ouveaa Poiteau Poiteau. Paradis d'Automne Paradise of Autumn. Supreme de Quimper Quimper, Triomphe de Jodoigue . . Triumph of Jodoigne. Vicar of Winkfield Vicar. Winter of Jonah Jonah. 404 Missouri State Horticultural Society. PLUMS. JVcwie Rejected. Name Adopted. Boddgert's Greeu Gage Boddtert. Denniston's Superb Denniston. Oullin's Golden Gage Oullin's Golden. Transparent Gage Transparent, QUINCES. Eea's Seedling Rea. KASPBERRIES. Belle de Pallnau i . Palluau. Belie de Fontenay . Fontenay. Knevett's Giant Knevett, Merveille de Quatre Saisons Four Seasons Red. STPvAWBERIES. Cumberland Triumph Cumberland. Hovey's Seedling Hovey. Miner's Great Prolific . . Miner's Prolific. Monarch of the West Monarch. Neuman's Prolific Neuman. Pi-esident Wilder Wilder. Wilson's Albany Wilson. THE DRAG. Wherever introduced the drag is taking the place of the roller. In almost every way it does better work. If the ground is uneven the roller will not smooth it ; the drag will. If the clods are hard and dry, and the rest of the ground loose, the roller will often simply push them down without crushing them ; the drag grinds them fine. If the lumps are wet, the roller will be likely to press them into a solid mass, and while the drag will often tear them to pieces, leaves them loose to be dried by the sun and air. The best form of drag is made of oak plank two inches thick, and about a foot or fourteen inches -wide. If for four horses, the planks can be about twenty feet long ; if for only two horses, ten or twelve feet long. These are bolted firmly together, overlapping about two inches. About two feet from each end of the front plank, a strap clevis is fixed to receive the double-trees, and a team is hitched to each, the driver standing on the drag behind. If the driver's weight is not enough, stones or logs may be added. For a two- horse drag, a hole is bored in the front plank about two feet on each side of its center, and a chain is then passed through tliese lioles, connected with a clevis in front, to which the double-tree is attached. — American Agriculturist. Secretary's Budget. 405 I herewith present the description of two new tools of Mis- souri patent and mri-uufacture that will be of great use to every horticulturist. l§t. S. I. Haseltme, of Dorchester, Mo., Hand Weeder and Scraper. — A very useful tool for the gardener who grows the onion, heet, radish, or lettuce for market ; for the florist who grows many plants in beds, for the horticulturists especially in growing the strawberry. A little jiractice in its use and it is astonishing how fiuicvkly one can destroy the weeds. DESCIIIPTIOK. Total length of weeder 9)^ inches. Blade % in. wide, % in. thick and has fine sharp edges. The cut is one-sixth full size and gives an idea of what the tool is. I have used it also in scraping trees both the bodies and at the ground for borers. If a little stiffer it would be an admirable too] for this purpose also, but probably would not work quite so easily in the ground. — Secketary. 3nd. J. C. Merine, Kansas City, Mo., Fruit-Picker. — In gathering specimens or in gathering early apples, pears or peaches, where they are easily bruised, we have here a tool that is peculiarly adapted to the j)urpose. A little practice and one soon learns the '^ knack" of the tool and can use it rapidly and to good advantage. Every fruit-grower needs one of these if for no other purjoose than to gather specimens. DESCRIPTION. This picker is on the end of a long pole and has a pair of jaws which shut with a wire cord on the handle, thus cutting off the stem so as to be sure to have it with the fruit. It was shown at our state meeting at St. Joseph and at the Mississippi Valley meeting at New Orleans and elicited manv favorable remarks. — Sec'y. 406 Missouri State Horticultural Society. MISCELLANEOUS. CALIFORNIA VS. MISSOURI VALLEY. Grant City, Mo., July 19tli. Editor Prairie Farmer : — Fair farming lands in California are held at from 1100 to 1300 per acre, and orange orchards and vineyards have a speculative value. Better farms can be bought in the Missouri Valley for $30 per acre, and will raise more certain and substantial crops than are grown in California. Further, who does not know that a good apple orchard, a corn field, and a potato patch will beat the orange groves and vineyards of California. Then again, compare the condition of the Chinese and laboring men in California with the intelligent laboring men of the Missouri Valley, and the climate of California with that of our Valley States. One who has been there. too much fruit. On page 599, is a complaint of the small fruit market being overstocked. This is no doubt true, but why and how best reme- died ? Let me name one great trouble that with reasonable fore- thought and care can certainly be very largely remedied. Instead of shipping almost the entire crop to a few large cities, let all the fruit consuming stations the country over be properly supplied di- rect from the growers. The fruit interest of this country is big enough to be far better organized than it is at present. — F. K. P., Delavan, Wis. uses of pyrethkum. Pyrethrum, or the Persian insect powder, seems to be an effectual check to the ravages of the cabbage worm if properly and seasonably applied. A correspondent of the Indiana Farmer relates his ex- perience in its use last season whereby he was able to secure four hundred and fifty good solid heads from five hundred plants set out. He used a common tablespoonful of the powder to a two and one- half gallon watering pot, first putting in the powder and pouring on boiling water, stirring it well meanwhile. After standing to steep awhile it is ready to apply to the plants by spraying. He says, ''the effect M^as marvelous, for in an hour's time after the application not a live worm could be found, unless by chance he had been missed. Two applications were made per week as long as any worms could be found. Only about thirty-five cents worth of the Secretary's Budget. 407 powder was used upon the cabbages, and the labor did not exceed one ancl a half hours per week. The powder can be bought at any druggist's, retailing at fifty to sixty cents per pound. It would doubtless prove effective in destroying many other insects which prey upon vegetation. It is one of the best destroyers of bed bugs, lice on stock of all kinds, including chickens, sheepticks, etc. For such purposes it is best applied dry. Druggists keep and sell a little blower with which to use it in its dry state. If applied to animals the hair, wool or feathers should be parted and the powder applied directly to the skin by the blower. When a chicken house has become infested with lice it is too often ditticult to eradicate them, on account of the many cracks in which they harbor. But with the blower the powder can be introduced everywhere, making a thorough renovation of the premises, as the writer can testify from an experience he had a few years ago. — Farmer h Review. FACTS CONCERNING FRUIT EVAPORATION. From the American Garden we take the following :. "In any process of evaporation the great desideratum is the application of intense heat in the first stage of drying, except in the case of grajies and similar fruits, where extreme heat will burst the skin and allow the juice to floSv out — as the great heat will, by affecting the outer surface of the substance, form an im- penetrable external coating, thus retaining the flavor and other desirable qualities of the fruit. The best arrangement, and indeed the only proper one, is to subject the material to a continuous current of hot air. This cur- rent cannot be made hot enough to scorch or burn the fruit, if it be kept in brisk motion ; but let it become stagnant for a short time and the product will undoubtedly be ruined by the intense heat. Raspberries we have found to be very profitable, as three quarts of the fresh fruit yield one pound of the evaporated, and this has a ready sale at thirty-seven cents per pound. So, in case the market price for fresh berries is down, it is an easy matter to put them in such a shape that we can command better figures. Corn, properly evaporated, makes a dish fully equal to that just cut from the cob, at a cost of about fifteen cents per pound. Half a pound is sufficient for a family meal. Pumpkins also make a good article, when evaporated — fully equal to fresh ones for making pies, thus extending tlie pie season through the entire year. 408 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Many other fruits and vegetables, which can readily be dried, have not yet taken a place in the market, or are not known in this condition to commerce. Among these are dried sweet potatoes, which those who have tried them like very much. "When thus preserved, they are safe from frost and other contingency, and, although not in condition for being baked, are excellent for stewing. Evaporated peaches and apples are now extensively shipped to European ports, and are a great factor in our exporting trade. Evaporated sweet corn will also before long rank with these as an important article of export, on account of its superiority over the canned article. Almost any vegetable or fruit can have its surplus water driven off by proper evaporation, and, by again restoring tliat water when wanted for use, makes a highly welcome substitute when the fruit article is not to be had. POPULAR IS^AMES. If those friends in the old world who find comfort in poimlar names of jalants had a whole continent to deal with; as we have, we believe they would soon tire of popular names, pleasing as they may be to some ears. Our nurserymen and seedmen are nearly driven crazy by the number Avhich spring up in every direction, and they in turn appeal for relief to the editor of Gardener's Monthly, who is powerless to help them. By this one mail we have three letters from these unfortunates. One has an order for " two bushels of evergreen seeds for cattle pasture. It is a kind of grass," Another wants to know if the "fruit bushes of the white brier can be had in any nursery?" The third, and she must be a highly edu- cated lady, inquires for "bushes of the Paris de ponetta." As to the last, we hazarded the suggestion to our bewildered friend to send the lady a Pyrus japonica. ADORNMENT OF A LADY's HAT. In a recent Monthly you mention Mahonia aquifolia leaves as becoming very fashionable in Europe. It seems we Americans can- not start a fashion, even if we are first to see the beauty and pro- priety of anything. We must wait for our cousins across the At- lantic to take the lead ; then, like sheep, we follow, be it good or bad. This time they were not first in making use of the Mahonia leaves. Here they have been in fashion for ten years or more. Many a buttonhole bouquet has been carried away from here made of, Mahonia leaves and rose buds. Secretary's Budget. 409 Four years ago my sister asked what kind of flowers I would ■ select for a summer hat. I said if I were to wear flowers, I would have the genuine or none at all. That with Mahonia leaves and roses and a few other flowers of the season, a hat could be trimmed much nicer than any I had ever seen with artificial flowers, and I would like to have her try. She at once agreed to try the experi- ment. That hat was a success all through the season, judging from the many remarks made about it and the frequent question, " Where did you get your hat, I like that trimming ?" No one suspected that the flowers were not counterfeit like all the rest. KEFORM THE FAIRS. Mr. J. S. Woodward, in the way of journalistic duty, visited many of the leading -'agricultural" fairs during the last year or two, and found a deplorable condition at most of them which he dared to denounce through The Tribune and Bural Xew Yorker, in terms severe, but mainly just. In return he has been sharply- arraigned by some of the directors and officers whose sliameful doings were thus exposed. This was to be expected, and indicates that the criticism is happily not without hopeful effect. In a recent summing up of the investigations he does not, as we believe, put the case too strongly when he declares that while none of these exhibitions are free from objectionable features, they have, with three or four exceptions, been so conducted as to be a disgrace to the managers and a n/rse to the coninninities in which they were held. Money-making has seemed to be the controlling idea; '"no matter how fraudulent, demoralizing, degrading or corrupting " their side-shows, traveling scamps could always obtain the best positions on the grounds if willing to pay well for the privilege of plying their nefarious arts. In view of the drinking and gambling thus directly fostered, is it too much to say that the fairs as now conducted are "the most pernicious of all influences at work to corrupt the morals of our sons, our daughters, indeed of the nation ? Remembering that the country's hope is in its boys and girls ; remembering also the sus- ceptibility of the young, we feel inclined to accept the statement as founded on fact. Certainly there is truth enough in it to warrant right-thinking people — who always control when they will — in de- termining that agricultural fairs shall be either "reformed or abandoned. " — Tribii ue. 410 Missouri State Horticultural Society. CULTIVATED PLANTS AND THE TIME OF THEIR INTRODUCTION. The following list contains the date of introduction of some of the foreign plants which are now familiar in our gardens and conservatories : The common Acacia tree, a native of North America, was first cultivated by John Tradescant, Sr., in 1640. The French and African Marygolds were introduced by John Gerard, author of the ''Herbal," in 159G. The Almond tree, from Barbary, is first mentioned by Lobelius in 1570. A few years later, in 1596, Gerard cultivated the com- mon Pomegranate. The dwarf Pomegranate of the West Indies did not appear in our gardens before 1730. To Gerard we also owe the first intro- duction of the Yucca gloriosa and the African Aloe. The Agave Americana was not cultivated for a century later. The Apple and Pear, Plum, and Cherry, are native plants, but the Quince came from Austria at the close of the seventeenth century. The Cucumber is a native, but was first cultivated in the six- teenth century, as was the common Melon. Asparagus, Cabbage, or Brassica oleracea, in all its varieties of White, Red, Savoy, Cauliflower, Broccoli : Turnips, or Brassica rapa. Beet, Hops, Horseradish, Celery, Onions, Leeks, Radishes, Mustard, Cress, Lettuce, are all indigenous plants. The Potato, as is well known, came from America ; the Mar- rowfat or common garden Pea from the South of Europe, as did the globe Artichoke, the Bean from Egypt, the China Orange from In- dia in 1629, the Lemon from Asia an 1648, the Jerusalem Artichoke from Brazil in 1617, the Coffee plant in 1696, the Tea plant about 1768, Parsley from Sardinia in 1551 ; and to foreign countries we are also indebted for almost all spices and condiments except must- ard. Garden Balsam, a native of the East Indies, was introduced by Gerard in 1596. The Plantain tree was first cultivated at Hampton Court in 1690, and the Banana in 1781. The Cedar of Lebanon, now so common, was not grown in England before 1783, and is first mentioned in a letter of Ray of that year. The common white Larch had been introduced in 1629, and the Norway Spruce Fir m 1739, first in Chelsea Gardens, Secretary's Budget. 411 The Canadian or white Spruce Fir was cultivated in 1700 by Bishop Compton, The Cypress tree" of Southern Europe was cultivated in the garden of Sion House in 1551 ; the white Cedar, or arborvitse- leaved Cypress, in 173G. The common hollyhock came from China at the end of the sixteenth century. Maize or Indian corn had been grown about the middle of tliat century. To Gerard we owe the common Syringa from the south of Europe. The Sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, from Brazil, is first mentioned in 1733 by Dr. Houston, who also introduced more than one species of Passion flower from the West Indies. The Laurel or common sweet Bay came in 1562 from Italy, the Laurestine in 1596 from the south of Europe. The Ancuba japonica, now universal in our shrubberies, was first introduced from Japan in 1783 by Mr. John Gr^fer. The female plant, with its splendid berries, has only been introduced during the last few years, the Aucuba being till then regarded as a monoecious plant. We might extend this list largely, but enough has been noted to show how recent have been many of the additions to our gardens and forests, and how small the variety of species known before the days of Gerard's " Herbal," or even of Evelyn's "Sylva." A more complete list of the now^ common trees and flowers, with the time and circumstances of their introduction to England, would l)e an interesting compilation. — Leisure Hour. ABNORMAL STRAWBERRY. Prof. Grolf notes : " Roses are sometimes seen with the stem growing beyond the flower. This spring some one sent me a straw- berry in which the stem had continued to grow beyohd the fruit. Has this been often observed ? " [It sometimes occurs. The fruiting stem of a strawberry is simply a metamorphosed runner, which has become erect, and hence, a short stem may appear from a flower head, just as it would beyond the young plant on a runner. — Ed. G. ilf. ] 412 Missouri State Horticultiiral Society. FREAKS OF NATURE. Wm. Bassett, Hammouton, N. J., says: "1 have several times observed a secondary flower stem growing from another, on geranium Dr. Lindley. These were always smaller than the original cluster, but produced leaves and could be used for propa- gation the same as other portions of the plant," [It may be worth while to note that a flower stem is only a modified branch, and, when not perfectly reduced fi-om a bianchto a flower stem, may produce weak branches, as if it were a perfect branch. Indeed it is because of just such occurrences as these that the morphologist is able to lay down the law that a flower shoot is but a modified branch, for no one has been able to get down to the beginning of the transformation. — Editor Gardener's Monthly.^ PRODIGIOUS STRAWBERRIES. We have had brought to our attention this season an extraor- dinary number of new seedlings, each claiming to be the best ever raised, but when we get them we fail lo see any difference from scores of others already known, and decline to give the desired "boost" to them. We are willing to go to the expense of engraving anything when such engraving informs and instructs ; but in the case of these strawberries, all we should have to do would be to sort out some cut of a bushel on hand, and no reader would ever be the wiser. This fact seems to impress others as well as us, for the trade cuts now generally aim at something else besides form and color. Before us is a colored illustration of a grand novelty, which gives a stalk with twenty berries all ripe, and not one less than three inches round on the side of view, and allowing one-half on the side we cannot see, this would give thirty berries all ripe at one time on a single stalk, and ranging from three to four and a half inches in diameter. We should not like to say such a sight is impossible, or that the picture is overdrawn, but we do say that few who buy the plants will ever see the picture realized. — Editor Gardeners' Monthly. PROPAGATING PLANTS. Is there any more bewitching occupation that reasonable mortals can engage in than the propagation of new and rare hardy trees and shrubs ? To see sin'inging up around you the thrifty rows of little beauties collected by loving hands from the uttermost parts of the earth, nature's darlings, the pride of many distant people, and the surprise and delight of our own countrymen, is a pure and daily new sensation, whose bright charm keeps us always children in our quick impressibility and enthusiasm. Secretary's Budget. 413 GAEDEX BEAUTY. ^ Rev. A. B. Muzzey tells the Massachusetts Horticultural Society that in the practice of horticulture in its highest branches three things are necessary — first, a practical knowledge ; and to supply this want we have papers and discussions of a practical cast. Second, money is wanted ; and, with a right spirit and culture, the more the better. He was glad to see men grow rich honestly, and furnish the means for refining and elevating pursuits. But something is want- ed beyond producing marketable articles, however laudable that may be. Man has an inherent love of beautiful tilings, and through a taste for the beautiful products of horticulture, a deep and glorious part of human nature is ultimately reached. Some are content for a time with the practical view, but sooner or later there comes a point where we must increase the taste for the beau- tiful. There is among the American people a great lack of culture and taste, but they are taking steps to supply it, and if this society does not assist in educating the taste of the community, it will, in part at least, have failed of its object. A man may be jDossessed of wealth, but there is something wanting to him if he has not a sense of the beautiful and does not know what a magnificent world we live in. Why has the Great Artist so clothed the universe in beauty, but that it may be appreciated and enjoyed by his children? THE INVENTOK OF SHAKING FOR CUECULIO. In a recent rssueit was remarked that the inventor of the certain and very profitable method of destroying the plum curculio, should be definitely fixed before it is too late. Horticulture should establish to whom it is indebted for so valuable a practice. The Country Gentlemaa is inclined to give the credit to David Thomas, who practiced it successfully "about sixty years ago." Let us fix the date at 1824. Is there anything that will place the successful practice earlier? COLOR vs. FLAVOR IN FRUITS, ETC. Mr. E. S. Goff, of the New York experiment station, has an interesting article in the last American Naturalist, on the relation of color to flavor in fruits and vegetables. He collates some signifi- cant facts pointing to the conclusion that the lighter the color of the flesh, the milder the flavor, and the less firm the texture. Thus^ blanched celery and asparagus are much more palatable than the green, white cabbages are milder than the red variety^ and light 414 Missouri State Horticultural Society. colored onions are less strongly flavored tlian red ones. The most sugar is derived from beets destitute of coloring matter, and red carrots have a more pungent taste than yellow or white ones. White apples are, as a rule, much less acid than their brighter colored rel- atives, and the same is true of pears, and even more strikingly of jjeaches. A more marked instance is seen in the white and red currants. Of the practical benefits to be derived from the application of this hypothesis, Mr. GofE says : "In the amelioration of fruits and vegetables, it is the constant aim of the horticulturist to intensify, so far as possible, the desirable qualities, and to eliminate the unde- sirable ones. It is evident therefore, that if it can be shown that the color of the flesh has a direct relation to its flavor and tender- ness, we have a valuable index in the work of selection. If by whitening the flesh of a fruit through selection we can eliminate acidity and solidity, or if by darkening tiie flesh of another fruit, already too tender and insipid, in the same way, we can heighten its characteristic flavor, and increase its firmness, we have gained a new faculty in the work of making the products of nature subserv- ient to our wants," ADVANCEMBSTT IN ENTOMOLOGY. Prof. C. V. Eiley recently read a valuable paper before the Philosophical Society of Washington on the subject of recent ad- vances in economic entomology, which he has kindly sent to the Prairie Farmer for publication. The paper set^ forth tlie parr which insects play in the economy of nature, and particularly their influence on American agriculture. The earlier writers on applied entomology in_ the United States, as Peck, Harris, Fitch, Walsh, LeBaron, Glover, did some excellent work in their studies, but the most important results followed when such studies were combined with fleld work and experiment by competent persons and upon scientific principles. A number of the remedies proposed in the agricultural press are foolish and based on misleading experience. Economic entomology as a science is of comparatively recent date. It implies full knowledge of the particularly injurious species to be dealt with and of its enemies, of its relations to other animals, and to wild and cultivated plants. In short, the whole environment of the species must be considered, especially from the standpoint of the farmer^s wants. The habits of birds, more particularly, and the bearings of meteorology and of the development of minute parasitic organisms must be considered. Secrelarifs Budget. 415 Experiments with insecticides and appliances will then be intelli- gent and successful in proportion as the facts of chemistry, dynamics, and mechanics are utilized. The complicated nature of the problem is illustrated by the life-history of the Grape PImjUooc- era, and the difficulties encountered m acquiring facts are illustrated by the late investigation of the cotton worm. The chief insecticides considered for general use and applicable above ground are tobacco, w4iite hellebore, soap, arsenical com. pounds, petroleum and pyrethrum ; those for use under ground, naphthaline, suljjho-carbonate of potassium and bi-sulphide of carbon. Recent experiment showed that kerosene emulsions, such as have been recommended lately in the official entomological reports, are superior to bi-siilpliide of carbon when used under ground against the Grape Pliylloxera, and the discovery is deemed of great importance, especially to the French people and those on our Pacific slope. Contrary to general belief, pyrethrum powder has been shown to have a peculiar and toxic effect on higher animals as well as on the lower forms of life. Its deadly influence on lower organisms led the author to strongly recommend its use as a disin- fectant, and to express the belief that it will yet come to be used in medicine. The paper concluded with the following plea applied for sci- ence : " Matters of fact» do not tend to provoke thought and dis- cussion ; and I must confess to some misgivings in bringing these practical considerations before a body which reflects some of the highest and purest science and philosophy of the nation. , From the days of Archimedes down to the j)resent day, there has existed a disposition to decry applied science and to sneer at the practical man. Yet I often think that science, no matter in Avhat fine-sound- ing name we clothe her, or how high above the average understand- ing we stilt her, is, after all, but common sense employed in dis- covering the hidden secrets of the universe and in turning them to man's wants, whether sensual or intellectual. Between the unbalanced vaporings of the pseudo-scientific theorizer and the uninformed empiric who stumbles upon a dis- covery, there is the firm middle ground of logical induction and deduction, and true science can neither be exalted by its inappli- cability, nor degraded by its subserviency to man's material welfare. The beat results follow when the pure and the applied go hand-in- hand — when theory and practice are wedded. Once the naturalist was honored in proportion as he dealt with the dry bones of his science. Pedantry and taxonomy over-shadowed biologic research. 416 Missouri State Horticultural Society. To-day, largely through Charles Darwin's influence, we recognize the necessity of drawing our inspiration more directly from the vital manifestations of nature in our attempt to solve some of the many far-reaching problems which modern science presents. The fields of biology, morphology, physiology, psychology, are more inviting than formerly. Nor is the lustre that glorifies the names of Ste- venson, Watts, Faraday, Franklin, Morse, Henry, Siemens, and a host of yet living investigators dimmed because they made science useful. If to-day, right here in Washington, there is great activity in the fields of original research, if the nation is encouraging it in a manner we may well be proud of, the fact is due in no small degree to the efforts of those who have made practical ends a means, rather than to those who would make science more exclusive, and who are indifferent to practical ends or popular sympathy.'' CONTENTS. PAGE. Annual Meeting at St. Joe 86 Annual Meeting of Mississippi Valley 62 Annual Eeport of Secretary 138 Annual Report of Treasurer 324 Address of Welcome, June 15 Address of Welcome, December 113 Address by S. S. Laws, D. D 18 Address by Vice-President, A. W. St. John 25 Address of Parker Earl at M. V. H. S. Meeting 63 Apples in England 278 A Few Facts in Orchards .• 284 A Suggestion ....... 311 An Entirely New Plan 314 Agricultural Statesman '. 316 A New Apple 203 A Few New Implements 150 Bills 148 Birds, Paper on , 265 Birds 369 Insect-Eating Birds 369 Ants, Snakes and Birds '. 371 English Sparrows 371 Best Evergreens 306 Best Kinds of Apples 276 Bearing Orchards 276 Berry Notes 287 Constitution 10 Constitution for Local Societies 12 Committee Standing 9 Committee on Sec'y- Report, June Meeting 47 Committee on Flowers, June Meeting 47 Committee on Fruits 47 Cherries, Paper on 157 Chestnut 310 Curl in the Peach 313 Cold for Shipment of Fruit 352 Call for Fruit for World's Fair 144 Discussion on Roses 24 Horticulturists 29 Evaporating Fruits 36, 202 Strawberry 53 Market Fruits 80 • Orchards '. 106 418 Missouri State Horticultural Society. PAGE. Discussion on Varieties Apples 110 Small Fruits 137 Cherry 160 Curculio 167 Downing, Chas, Letters from 43, 137 Discussion on Ornamentals 188 Essay, Home Surroundings, D. F. Emry 21 Tender Roses, S. F. Phoenix 23 Entomology. Mary E. Murtfeldt 29 Fruit in South Missouri, Z. S. Eagan 32 Our Surplus Fruits, A. "W. McPherson 35 Market Fruits of Kansas City, L. A. Goodman 76 Where to Plant, Dan Carpenter 95 Healthy Orchards, N. F. Murry , 99 Trouble With Orchards, H. Scholton 107 Six Varieties of Apples. C. Thorp 108 Codling Moth. F. Fleischer Ill Hort'icultural Outlook, C. W. Murtfeldt 114 Forestry. F. P. Baker 117 New in Horticulture, J. N. Menifee 122 Raspberry, W. M. Hopkins 135 Cherry, F. Holsinger 157 Plum, C. H. Fink 161 Peach, J. A. Durkes 163 New Plants. R. S. Brown 168 Home Adornment, Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin 171 Lawn and Flower Garden. Wade Burden 175 Entomology, Dr. A. Goslin 209 Ornamental, Z. S. Ragan 169 Ornamental Planting. C. W. Murtfeldt 183 Method in Planting. R. E. Bailey 177 Entomology, Mary E. Murtfeldt 204 Grapes, G. E. Meissner 212 Effects of Summer Heat. E. Liston 219 South Missouri as a Fruit District, L. A. Goodman 221 Horticultural Progress. L. A. Goodman 229 Mission of FloM-ers. Mrs. F. Holsinger % 232 Observation the Key to Horticultural Success, M. B. Newman 238 Varieties of Apples. N. F. Murry 243 Flowers. Mrs. H. B. Francis 248 Horticulture, Thos. Irish 249 Horticultural Outlook, G. F. Espenlaub 259 Fertility of the Soil, W. M. Hopkins 260 Treatment of Orchards. J. A. Durkes 263 Birds in Horticulture, Clarke Irvine 265 Expenses of State Society 148 Entomologist Wanted (Secretary's Recommend) 149 Election of Officers 151 Entertaining and Instructive 316 to 323 Contents. 419 PAGE. Education on the Farm '. 339 Exhibit at World's Fair 256 Entomology, Papers on 39, 204, 209 Evaporating Fruits, H. M. Hoffman J99 Fruit Crop, June Prospects 140 Fruit Crop, August Prospects 143 Fruit Packages 73 Fruit Transportation 75 Fruit Handling 74 Fertility of the Soil, Paper on 260 Forestry, F. P. Baker 117 Flowers 399 to 305 Flowers, Paper on 348 Future of Ornamentals 317 Fruit Committee, Report 54, 224 Final Resolutions, Report 61, 326 Flower Committee, Report t 55 Fruit Crop, Report (Secretary's Recommend) 149 Grapes, Paper on 213 Report on 57 Grapes 337 to 352 Culture 337 Notes in Texas, T. V. Munson 339 Rot ; 346 Prevention of 346 Horticultural Societies, Secretary's Recommendations 149 Horticultural Societies, 227 to 256 Horticultural Societies, How to Organize 11 Horticultural Exhibit, World's Fair 256 Horticultural Progress, Paper on 239 Horticultural Outlook, Paper on 114, 359 Horticulture, Paper on 249 Home Adornment, Paper on 171 How to Keep Orchards Healthy, Paper on 99 Home Surroundings, Paper on 31 Huckleberry Culture 291 Hybrid Roses 299 Hardy Roses 300 Insects 70 Irwine. Clark, Paper by 365 Implements, New 150 Irish, Thos., Paper by 249 Insects, Notes 357 Insects 357 Currant Worms 357 Striped Beetles 357 Wire Worms' 358, 363 Cabbage FUes 358 Cabbage Worms 358 420 Missouri State Horticultural Society, PAGE. Insects — Preventing Insect Depredations 359 Salt for Insects 359 Paris Green for Curctilios 360 Insects Injurious to Apple 361 Buttermilk and Water as an Insecticide 363 A Homely Friend 363 Ants as Insecticides 364 Strawberry Insects 365 Codling Moth 365 Eemedy for Phylloxera. ... 365 Remedy for Various Insects 366 Beneficial Insects 368 Curculio 368 Jasper County Horticultural Society 251 Letter. J. A. Rollins 189 President S. M. Tracy 189 A. D. Webb 192 John Gabler 202 H. C. Kirshbaum , 203 Library, Secretary's Recommend 147 Lawn and Flower Garden, Paper on 175 Largest Yield of Potatoes 323 Letter, Chas. Downing 43, 127 M. P. Wilder .■ 43.128 C. W. Murtfeldt 56 B. T. Galloway 56 Parker Earle 56 W. H. Ragan '. 124 N. Ohmer 125 T. V. Munson 125 I. Bush 126 Robt. Manning 126 E. H. Reihl 126 T. T. Lyon 127 Marketing 352 Moore's Early Grape 339 Members 5 Meeting at Springfield 18 Meeting at St. Joseph 86 Market Fruits of Kansas City 76 Mission of Flowers, Paper on 232 Mulching Strawberi'ies 288 Marlboro Raspberry ■. 290 Massachusetts Horticultural Society 311 Missouri Valley Horticultural Society 227 Miller County 254 Memberships, Recommends of Secretary 146 Methods in Planting, Paper on 177 , Contents. 421 PAGE. Miscellaneous 406 California vs. Missouri Valley 406 Too Much Fruit 406 Use of Pyrethruni 406 Facts of Fruit Evaporation 407 Popular Names 408 Adornment of a Lady's Hat 408 Reform the Fairs 409 Cultivated Plants and Time of their Introduction 410 Abnormal Strawberry 411 Freaks of Nature 412 Prodigious Strawberries 412 Propagating Plants 412 Garden Beauty 413 Shaking for Curculio 413 Color vs. Flavor in Fruits, &c 413 Advancement in Entomology 414 New Orleans Exposition, Report 256 New in Horticulture, Paper on 122 New Plants, Paper on 168 New Things 150 Notes on Geraniums 303 Niagara Grape 291 New Fruits, by President Wilder 292 New Berries 298 Nomenclature Committee 20 New Apple 203 New Things 401 Revised Names of Fruits 401-404 The Drag 404 Hand Weeder and Scraper 405 Officers 3 Observation the Key to Success, Paper on 238 Ornamentals, Report on 20 Our Surplus Fruits, Paper on 35 Ohio Experiments 323 Ornamentals, Papers on 179-183 Ornamentals 305-312 Ornamental Trees and Shnibs 307 Orchards 276-287 Orchard Location 280-281 Origin of Apple 280 Orchards. Reports on 86, 89, 91 Place of Meeting Plum, Paper on 161 Peach, Paper on 163 Potato Puzzle 334 Poor Trees 286 Promised Novelties 303 422 Missouri State Horticultural Society. PAGE. Preserving the Leading Shoot of Evergreens 305 Peach Growing 312 Primitive Horticulture '. 322 Potato Experiments 330 Pamphlet on Rural Tastes, M. G. Kern 189 Phylloxera 349 Packing Fruit 352 Pruning — Tree Pruning 355 Report of Sec'y., Annual 138 of Fruit Prospects, June 140 of Fruit Prospects, August 142 on Stone Fruits, J. M. Pretzinger 153 on Entomology, Dr. A. Goslin 309 of Committee on Nomenclature 223 of Treasurer, J. C. Evans 224 of Fruit Committee, St. Joe 224 of Committee on Final Resolutions 226 of Misssouri Valley Horticultural Society .' 227 on Vegetables, J. W. Kidwell 235 of Holt County Horticultural Society 342 of Green County Horticultural Society 245 of Bates Coujity Horticultural Society 246 of Jasper County Horticultural Society 251 of Buchanan County Horticultural Society 252 of Miller County, N. J. Shepard 253 of Gentry County, C. G. Comstock 254 of Exhibit at World's Fair, L. A. Goodman 256 of Fruits, F. Lionberger 193 of Entomology 204 of Resolutions for Com. of Agricultui-e 151 on Stone Fruits, D. F. Emry 17 on Ornamentals, Z. S. Ragan 20 on Nomenclature Committee 20 of Secretary Semi-Annual 37-47 on Small Fruits, Sam Miller ;• • : • 47 on Small Fruits, W. M. Hopkins .* 49 on Rust, L. G. Shepard • 52 on Secretary's Recommends, Committee 53 of Fruit Committee, Springfield 54 of Flower Committee, Springfield 55 on Grapes, G. E. Meissner 57 on Grapes, Geo. Hussmann 58 on Final Resolutions 61 on Orchards, W. G. Gano 86 on Orchards, D. S. Holman 89 on Orchards, Chas. Patterson 91 on Small Fruits, Sam Millei 129 on Small Fruits, W. M. Hopkins 130 on Small Fruits, Lionberger & Gutman , 131 Contents. 4:23 PAGE. Report on Small Fruit«, Jacob Faith 132 on Stone Fruits 153 Railroads, Sec'ys Recommend 148 Root Habit of the Strawberry 289 Raspberries in 1884 29) Raising Small Fruits 296 Roses and Climbers 300 Root Louse 283 Root Feeding 285 Rust on the Strawberry 52 Recommend of Secretary 146, 152 Receipts 373 Protect Your Trees 372 Salt for Red Rust. . . .^^ 372 Lime for Grape Rot 37;> How to Get Rid of Moles 37:J Paris Green for Codling Moth 374 A Wash to Kill Scale 374 Scale Insects 374 Pears on Apple Trees 375 Protecting Fruit from Birds 375 Tobacco 375 Weeds on Walks 375 Rabbit Trap 376 Statistics, Necessity for 15 1 State Entomologist, Necessity for 149 Small Fruits, Reports on 47, 49, 129, 130, 131, 132 Secretary s Budget '. 275-416 Small Fruits 278-29!i State Entomologist. Recommend ' 149 Semi-Annual Meeting 15 Semi- Annual Report of Secretary 37 South Mo., as a Fruit District 221 Success with Orchards 27^ Sheep in Orchards 279, 282 Succession in the Strawberry 290 Strawberry Notes 291 Shaffers Colossal 293 Sprays for Boquets .... 301 Stone Fruits 312-316 Set Out Trees 319 Seasonable Hints 320 Salt for Asparagus 324 Summer Pruning 287 Standing Committee • 9 Secretary's Report, Annual 138 Secretary's Report, Semi-Annual 37 Stone Fruits, Reports on 17, 153 424 Missouri State Horticultural Society. PAGE. Scientific 376 Trees as Lightning Conductors 376 Dryness in Fruit House ; . . . 377 ■ Apparent Waste in Nature 377 Fruit Ripening and Decay 378 Winter-Killing Plants and Trees 379 The Future of Horticultural Experiment 379 Freezing of Sap in Trees 380 Loss of Leaves by Evergreens 382 Influence of Pollen on Strawberries 388. Origin of Soils 384 No Soils Originally 384 Action of Air, Water and Frost 385 Sedentary and Drift Soils : 385 Soils in Various States 386 Origin of Prairie Soils 386 The Cross-Fertilization of Strawberries 387 Paper on Antiseptics, &c 388 The Art of Canning and Preserving 390 Keeping Fruits Without Cans 393 Manure for the Orchard 394, 397 Manuring Fruit Trees 395 Fertilizing Peach Orchards 398 Southern Apple 400 Treasurer's Report 224 Treatment of Orchards, Paper on 263 Trouble with Orchards, Paper on 107 Tender Roses, Paper on 23 The Burning Bush, Whittier 322 Tomatoes 324 The Tulip Tree 309 Thick Planting 310 The Peach '. 314 Unfermented Wine 350 Varieties of Apples, Papers on 243, 108 Varieties of Roses 301 Vegetables 235, 323 Variation of a Concord Grape 351 Wilder, Marshall P., Letters 43, 128 Wealthy Apple ■. . . 277 What Women Have Done 325 Where to Plant, Paper on 95 World's Fair, Report 256 World's Fair, Preparation for 144 Yellows, None in the West 167 3 5185 00259 C